DUSHANBE, 18.09.2019. (NIAT Khovar) – The Chairman of the Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defense (CESCD) under the government of Tajikistan Rustam Nazarzoda received a delegation of the European Union led by the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for Central Asia Peter Burian.

The meeting was a continuation of a constructive bilateral dialogue between CESCD and the EU on the issues relating to disaster risk reduction.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on ways of furthering EU cooperation on the CESCD’s project to create a polygon for training both rescue units and Afghan colleagues, retraining personnel, creating public awareness and preparedness in the event of natural disasters.

“The development of relations between Tajikistan and the EU is especially important. CESCD pays close attention to this issue,” noted Nazarzoda.

Nazarzoda also emphasized the importance of creating such a polygon that would not only prepare rescuers for the Tajik CESCD, but would also provide tremendous assistance in developing the rescue department of the neighboring Afghanistan.

“The large length of the border with our southern neighbor, as well as the geographical location and identity of natural disasters that occur in the border areas of the two countries lead to the fact that our rescuers should be more prepared and knowledgeable,” said Nazarzoda.

Burian emphasized that the EU pays great attention to cooperation with Tajikistan, especially on issues relating to the natural disaster risk reduction.

“Climate change, unfortunately, has affected the intensity of emergencies, as a result of which the population is primarily affected. Therefore, we are ready to provide all possible support in resolving or facilitating these issues,” stressed Burian.

Following the meeting, the parties once again expressed their readiness to strengthen further cooperation in the field of natural disaster prevention and response.

The head of the EU Delegation to Tajikistan Marilyn Josefson also attended the meeting.