SOCHI. May 15 (Interfax-AVN) - A delegation of the Greek Interior Ministry is not taking part in a meeting of heads of emergency situations agencies of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) in Sochi for unknown reasons.
The meeting chaired by Russian Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu involves representatives of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, Shoigu stressed the importance of coordinating efforts of "emergency" agencies of the Black Sea countries in the sphere of civil defense, prevention and elimination of emergencies. "It is possible to counter challenges of the 21st century, including natural and man-made disasters, only by pooling efforts," he said.
Heads of emergency situations agencies of the Black Sea region nations are discussing the state of emergency facilities in their countries, assessing possibility of occurrence of natural and man- caused disasters, as well as considering outlooks for cooperation in providing emergency relief and liquidating results of disasters. A special emphasis is put on improving efficiency of responding to emergency situations and employment of high technologies in handling serious disasters, extinguishing fires and carrying out humanitarian mine-clearance.