Athens, 8 February 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Cyprus, which has long had a contentious relationship with Turkey, is set to deploy 21 rescue workers to the quake-devastated country.

The aid mission was approved by Ankara's government and is being supported by the European Union, said foreign ministry spokesperson Demetris Demetriou on Wednesday.

Turkey does not formally recognize the Republic of Cyprus. This is the first time in almost 50 years that Turkey is allowing Greek Cypriot officials to operate in its territory.

The island has been divided since 1974, following a Greek coup and Turkish military intervention.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) is only recognized by Turkey and occupied by Turkish troops. The south of the island is controlled by Greek Cypriot authorities.

The buffer zone between the two parts of the island is monitored by United Nations peacekeeping soldiers.

The Republic of Cyprus has been a member of the EU since 2004, but EU law only applies in the southern part of the island.

Cyprus lies about 80 kilometres south of Turkey and thus around 300 kilometres from the disaster area. The reverberations of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake were also felt on the island, though no damage was done.