Greek, Russian civil emergency ministers agree on deeper cooperation over disasters
The civil emergency ministers of Greece and Russia discussed the strengthening of the two countries' collaboration, at an e-meeting they held on Thursday.
Deputy Minister for Civil Protection & Crisis Management Nikos Hardalias stressed that in the context of reforming Greece's Civil Protection Secretariat, it is a priority to seek the exchange of expertise, know-how and good practices, particularly as Russia has advanced technology and experience in this sector. He also spoke of the need for joint exercises and training, and of a close cooperation across the spectrum of disaster management, from prevention to restoration of damage.
Hardalias and the Russian Deputy Minister for Civil Defense, Emergencies & Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM), Alexander Chupriyan, agreed to hold the first meeting of the two countries' joint committee soon, to implement the Greece-Russia agreement on cooperation in the field of prevention and response to natural and man-made disasters.
Chupriyan proposed that Greece becomes a member of the International Sport Federation of Firefighters & Rescuers, which Hardalias accepted.
Visits to both countries by delegations on all matters pertaining to civil protection will follow as soon as circumstances allow it, the ministers said.