Azerbaijan, ICDO member states discuss expansion of relations

On the sidelines of the 58th session of the Executive Council of the International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) held in Baku, Colonel General Kamaladdin Heydarov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Emergency Situations, met with heads of civil defence agencies of ICDO member states.

Minister Kamaladdin Heydarov met with Alexander Kurenkov, Minister of Civil Defense, Emergencies and Disaster Relief of the Russian Federation; Akram Thawabta, Chief of Civil Defense of the State of Palestine; Ali Mohammed Jassim Al-Kubaisi, Director General of the General Directorate of Civil Defence of Bahrain; Youssef Ahmad Salem Al-Shakatrah, Director of Irbid Civil Defense Department of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Mohammed Ali Al-Qatani, Deputy Head of Kuwait Fire Service Directorate; Hammoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, Director-General of Saudi Civil Defense.

During the meetings, Minister Heydarov shared insights into the comprehensive measures implemented in the country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev in the areas of civil defense and emergency preparedness. He noted that the Azerbaijani state has always placed special importance on ensuring the security of its population and territories.

The Minister highlighted the critical need for international cooperation in disaster response, stressing that emergencies know no borders and that the frequency and severity of disasters are on the rise. In this context, he emphasized the ICDO’s central role in coordinating global efforts, and expressed confidence that the 58th session of the Executive Council held in Baku would be productive.

Expressing their gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality, the guests commended the excellent organization of the ICDO Executive Council's 58th session in Baku.

The meetings focused on the current state and future development of cooperation between the respective agencies, also highlighting the importance of experience exchange. The parties expressed confidence that the session, along with bilateral meetings and discussions, will elevate collaboration between the countries’ emergency management agencies – both within ICDO and bilaterally – to a new level.

The sides also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.