The State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the Republic of Lithuania are strengthening cooperation in civil protection
A delegation of the Republic of Lithuania, headed by Director of the Fire and Rescue Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Renatas Požela, made an official visit to Ukraine. During a meeting with the SESU leadership, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to Ukraine Inga Stanitė-Tolokienė joined the international partners.
The goal of the meeting was to discuss the consequences of russia's armed aggression against Ukraine and the prospects for bilateral cooperation.
Head of the SESU Andrii Danyk highlighted that the partnership between Ukraine and Lithuania in the field of civil protection is strengthening every year.
“Humanitarian assistance and experience exchange with Lithuanian rescuers are especially important for us in this difficult time. Today's meeting is another step towards strengthening our cooperation, as modern civil protection requires international cooperation, as well as sharing knowledge and resources”, - he said.
During the visit, the Lithuanian partners donated a certificate for fire and rescue vehicles for the Main Department of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Poltava oblast and 30 sets of protective clothing for rescuers.
“This significant boost will allow us to respond more effectively to emergencies, save lives and ensure the public safety. We deeply appreciate this support, as it is one more proof of your solidarity and strong friendship between our services”, - the Head of the SESU said.
As part of the working visit, the Lithuanian delegation visited a fire and rescue unit in Kyiv city. The guests got acquainted with the technical equipment of Ukrainian rescuers, including the robotics that are actively used during rescue operations.
The delegation also visited the emergency prevention units. The issues discussed included strengthening community security, creating voluntary fire brigades, including women, and protecting critical infrastructure in the current situation.
Special attention was paid to the safety of children. The representatives of the delegation joined an open lesson on the culture of safe living, which the SESU held together with young rescuers for Kyiv schoolchildren. They also discussed the development of the movement of young firefighters and rescuers.
Furthermore, the Lithuanian colleagues visited the Mobile Rescue Centre of Rapid Response to get acquainted with its activities in wartime and share their experience in emergency response. The capabilities of the INSARAG HUSAR team, modern rescue equipment, CBRN systems, demining equipment used by deminers and pyrotechnic divers as well as the equipment for emergency response, including removing people from rubble and rescue operations in difficult conditions were demonstrated to the visitors.
The visit was instrumental in sharing experience and strengthening international cooperation in the field of rescue operations.
