NOGINSK (Moscow region), September 11. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed the participants and guests of the 2nd International Firefighters’ and Rescue Workers’ Forum, which opened at the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry’s Noginsk rescue center outside Moscow on Friday.

"Industrial accidents and natural disasters are increasingly acquiring a trans-border scale, making it extremely important to strengthen regional and global cooperation in preventing emergency situations and responding to them," says the Russian president’s greeting message, read out at the forum opening by Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov.

"Russia has always worked to consolidate the efforts of states and organizations in this priority area. We have vast experience in conducting rescue and humanitarian operations all over the world," the message says. "Our country is ready to share its unique expertise and assist in personnel training. We are also looking forward to the opportunity to study the methods used by our foreign colleagues."

The Russian president in his message expressed confidence that "the forum will make a significant contribution to resolving the threats and challenges of the time and will help strengthen partnerships based on trust and support."

The forum is attended by more than 130 delegates from 70 countries.