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ЕMERCOM, FEMA to exchange rescue operation experts

Next session of the working group will be held in Sochi in 2014

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

WASHINGTON, June 26 (Itar-Tass) -The Russian Emergency Control Ministry (EMERCOM) and the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intend to exchange experts during the conduct of rescue operations in the event of large-scale disasters.

This is provided for by the protocol of the 4th session of the working group on cooperation in the prevention and elimination of the aftermath of emergencies of the Russia-US presidential commission and the 17th session of the Joint Russia-US committee on cooperation in the prevention of emergencies.

The document envisions an exchange of experts for watching the conduct of operations in a real situation in response to disasters, and for studying advanced experience.

EMERCOM spokesperson Irina Rossius told Itar-Tass, "On the whole, as a result of the sessions, the delegations expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation between the RF and the US in the prevention and elimination of the aftermath of emergencies, and agreed to develop it with a witha view to responding effectively to all kinds of calamities."

The sides also approved a working plan for Russia-US cooperation in this respect for the 2013-2014 period. The Plan presupposes the sharing of experience, including that in the fields of monitoring and prediction of emergencies, the training of rescuers, the development of rescue business, and ensurance of security during mass events.

"Next session of the working group will be held in Sochi in 2014," Rossius said.

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