Strengthening International Cooperation on Fire Safety and Civil Protection
On 15–17 November 2023 delegations from fire and rescue services of Georgia and Moldova are visiting Vilnius and Kaunas. The visit is a part of the Project “Cooperation in the field of fire and rescue services for better preparation of candidate countries. Safety first!“ It is funded by the Lithuanian Development Cooperation. The aim of the Project is to strengthen the preparation of the candidate countries for accession to the European Union. The implementation of this Project helps to strengthen international cooperation in the field of fire safety and civil protection.
“This visit is not only a good opportunity to learn from each other, but also a great way to strengthen the relations between the countries. We are happy to share our experience and insights, as well as learn from our colleagues. This is an example of cooperation that undoubtedly contributes to the safety and welfare of all the countries,” – said Deputy Director of the Fire and Rescue Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, Mr Giedrius Sakalinskas.
The delegations will be acquainted with fire safety and civil protection system, its legal framework, work of firefighters, technical equipment and projects implemented in the respective areas. There will be visits to the Fire Fighters Training School and the Fire Research Centre.
Guests from Georgia and Moldova will have the opportunity to take part in a decontamination exercise organised by firefighters of Kaunas Fire and Rescue Board which also will be a great possibility to share experience on how to be better prepared for emergencies.
Moreover, this summer Ukrainian colleagues have already visited Lithuania, and in September, a delegation from Lithuania went to Georgia to learn about its national firefighting system.
In the near future, the Lithuanian delegation is scheduled to visit Moldova and Ukraine to further enhance cooperation and exchange of experience. Preparations are also underway for the meeting of the authorities of these services taking part in the Project, during which a Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed.