Memorandum of Understanding between Tunisia and Romania on Civil Protection Updated
The memorandum of understanding signed on July 17, 2019, between Tunisia and Romania in the field of civil protection was updated on Thursday at the National School of Civil Protection in Djebel Jelloud.
Strengthening Cooperation in Civil Protection
This cooperation aims to reinforce the exchange of expertise and training, particularly in the fight against fires and natural disaster management. The new version of the agreement was signed by Abdessamad Ben Jeddou, Director General of the National Office of Civil Protection for Tunisia, and Raed Arafat, Secretary of State in charge of emergency situations at the Romanian Ministry of Interior.
Renewed Commitment to Bilateral Cooperation
Present in Tunis for the scientific colloquium "Management of Emergencies and Natural Disasters" held from September 18 to 20, Raed Arafat also met with Tunisian Interior Minister Khaled Nouri. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in civil protection.
Mutual Learning and Promising Prospects
In an interview with the Tunisian Press Agency (TAP), the Romanian official highlighted the opportunities for mutual learning and promising prospects offered by this partnership. He emphasized the importance of reinforcing response capacities, developing joint training programs, and intensifying expertise exchanges. He also recalled the joint efforts of both countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, which involved sending specialized teams and close coordination with Tunisian authorities.
Similarities in Training Methods and Opportunities for Improvement
Arafat praised the similar training methods of the rescue services of both countries, highlighting the possibilities for improvement and optimization of practices through this cooperation. The new agreement offers flexibility to expand collaboration areas and integrate new initiatives.
Implementation and Financing
Regarding implementation, Arafat stressed the need to mobilize adequate financing to carry out joint projects, intensify expert visits, and share technological advancements and cutting-edge equipment.
International Solidarity in the Face of Global Challenges
In the face of growing challenges related to climate change and new global threats, Raed Arafat emphasized the importance of international solidarity. Citing major disasters such as the Turkish earthquake, floods, and forest fires, he recalled that civil protection cooperation must be mutual and balanced: "We must learn from each other."
Romania's Approach to Emergency Management
The Romanian official presented his country's approach to emergency management, which relies on an integrated structure coordinating fire and rescue services, air rescue, medical emergency services, and specialized teams for intervention in difficult environments. He highlighted that this organization, inspired by military models, has enabled Romania to improve its crisis response capacity, particularly through specialized equipment for chemical and radiological incidents, medical air evacuations, and maritime and fluvial rescue operations.
Romania's Commitment to Deepening Cooperation
Finally, Raed Arafat reaffirmed Romania's commitment to deepening its cooperation with Tunisia in this field. He indicated that the Romanian Interior Minister, Cătălin Predoiu, closely follows this collaboration and wishes to strengthen it further. "Our civil protection services must go further in this cooperation, and I am convinced that this will materialize soon," he concluded.
