Spain will send troops and military equipment next week to help with international relief efforts in Asian countries hit by last week's tsunami, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said Thursday.
Zapatero said at a press conference that his country will contribute troops, helicopters, transport planes and warships to those disaster areas. Spanish soldiers will help establish field hospitals there.
The Spanish Defense Ministry has been ready for various rescue works, he said.
The Spanish government has pledged 5 million euros (US$6.8 million) in aid and has dispatched 50 rescue workers to help the quake-stricken Asian countries. The government has also provided 50 million euros (US$68 million) in long-term low interest loan.