Turkish-Greek cooperation in search and rescue efforts
A new cooperation protocol between Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and Greece’s search and rescue organization EPOMEA will extend its scope to include the Mediterranean region.
On March 19, EPOMEA Greece Vice President Miltos Benakis and EPOMEA Rodopi Founding President Sibel Mustafaoğlu visited AFAD’s headquarters in Ankara to discuss the partnership.
During the meetings, Mustafaoğlu—who has previously served as both Deputy Governor and Deputy Mayor of Komotini—held discussions with AFAD Director General Sadi Ergin and other senior officials. The collaboration aims to establish a federation comprising Balkan and Mediterranean countries, leveraging AFAD’s advanced technology and extensive expertise in disaster management.
A Long-Awaited Development
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Mustafaoğlu stated:
“EPOMEA is a distinguished team of trained civilian volunteers, actively engaged in search and rescue operations both in Greece and internationally. They were among the first responders to assist during recent natural disasters and earthquakes in Türkiye. Our goal is to further strengthen this relationship and formalize it through an official protocol. This will enhance emergency response efficiency, streamline bureaucratic procedures, and improve cross-border disaster coordination. Of course, all activities will proceed with the approval of the respective ministries in both countries.”
A New Center in Komotini
Discussing EPOMEA’s expansion in Greece, Mustafaoğlu revealed:
“We are in the process of establishing a new branch in Komotini under the name ‘EPOMEA Rodopis’. Given its proximity to Türkiye, this unit will play a critical role in rapid emergency response and coordination. Our objective is to ensure timely assistance, conduct joint drills, and facilitate the exchange of expertise.
AFAD Director General Sadi Ergin emphasized a crucial point:
‘In our tradition, the neighbor’s door is always the closest refuge. It is neighbors who provide the fastest help in times of crisis.’
With the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires, both Türkiye and Greece must prioritize cross-border cooperation. We are embarking on this journey to heal wounds, provide humanitarian aid, and alleviate suffering.”
AFAD as the Leading Institution
EPOMEA Greece Vice President and Founder of the Thessaloniki Branch, Miltos Benakis, also expressed his vision for the initiative:
“In the future, our main objective is to establish a federation of Balkan and Mediterranean countries for disaster response and humanitarian aid. Having AFAD as the leading organization in this federation would provide significant credibility and support to our efforts.
This search and rescue protocol between our two countries is only the beginning of greater cooperation and stronger ties. Our mission is to serve humanity with solidarity and peace. We sincerely thank AFAD for today’s discussions and their warm hospitality.”
Effective Solidarity in Search and Rescue
Founded in 2014, EPOMEA Greece’s Elite Special Task Forces have been operating across the country in search and rescue missions. The organization is headquartered in Athens and Thessaloniki and has expanded to 23 branches across Greece.
EPOMEA Greece and AFAD have a long-standing history of collaboration, consistently working together in earthquake relief, wildfire response, and flood rescue efforts. This new agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral cooperation in disaster management.
