The Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Mykola Chechetkin, and the Commander of the California National Guard, David Baldwin, have discussed further cooperation and partnership in the protection of civilians, particularly mine clearance matters, at a meeting in Kyiv, Interfax-Ukraine reported.

“Currently, the reform process of the system of State Emergency Service of Ukraine is ongoing. An extensive network of local fire brigades and volunteers will be created during this process. That is why studying the work organization of California’s fire department, especially in rural areas is among the main areas of cooperation,” Chechetkin said at the meeting, according to the website of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

While speaking about existing experience of cooperation with U.S. colleagues, Chechetkin reiterated that a memorandum of cooperation has already been implemented and that joint exercises have already been conducted that contribute to the improvement of preparedness for various kinds of emergency situations.

In turn, Baldwin noted that the U.S. experts are ready to cooperate with the State Emergency Service in assisting displaced people, mine clearance operations and conducting of joint exercises both in the territory of Ukraine and in the United States. Rescuers from California can also exchange experiences on the liquidation of forest fires, holding search and rescue operations and flood management.

It is also possible that the representatives will hold joint training and exercises with Ukraine’s state fire departments and local fire brigades.

  Ukraine, USA, cooperation

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