Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Albania and the Government of Kosovo on mutual cooperation and assistance in cases of natural and other disasters

Published: Friday, 02 October 2020 09:32

 

The agreement we sign today between the two Ministries of Defense for mutual cooperation and assistance in cases of natural and other disasters comes as a product of our mutual desire and the alignment of the object of the two governments, to strengthen cooperation for Civil Defense. Above all, it is an agreement that will make Albanian citizens on both sides of the border safer in facing risks and threats from emergencies, which as we all have witnessed have become a real challenge in recent years.

I believe that the cooperation and the creation of synergies between Albania and Kosovo is natural and desirable in every field and sector, but Civil Emergencies are definitely an area where this cooperation is more natural and easier to achieve than anywhere else. This is not simply because of the common interest and tangible benefits we have in joining forces, or the fact that the challenges we face in managing natural or man-made disasters are very similar, but above all it is a cooperation built on a consolidated and noble tradition between Albanians across the border to help each other in times of difficulty and danger. The earthquake of November 26, was just the latest example of this tradition, when Kosovo was the first to rush to our aid in our moment of tragedy by sending rescue teams in the early hours of that night.

I am very optimistic that we will know how to cooperate effectively in accordance with this agreement which outlines the overall framework of cooperation in the field of emergency response, starting with the planning of preventive measures, the provision of mutual assistance in search - rescue and elimination of consequences, or in cooperation for the increase of logistical, human and institutional capacities of the Civil Protection structures.

More specifically, we will cooperate closely in providing assistance, exchanging information or expertise, preparing joint programs, scientific research, supplying and equipping field teams, sharing experiences and best practices, in joint planning, and so on.

Albania has already started a really ambitious process of modernization and transformation of Civil Emergencies, passing a law, drafted with the support of partners. We have taken great steps towards the modernization not only of the structures, through the establishment of the Civil Protection Agency, but also of the material base, equipment, and tools. But, above all we have made a lot of progress in transforming the approach to natural hazards by shifting the focus from response to prevention.

The situation caused by last year’s earthquakes, by the many fires we have experienced and obviously by the pandemic has forced us to accelerate plans and deadlines, managing to reach a level of preparedness in just one year of operation. In the initial plans, it would have required at least 4 or 5 years. But, we still have a long way to go until the structure we are working on is of the standards required to join the EU Mechanism for Civil Protection.