More cooperation between Switzerland and Ukraine’s rescue service
Published: Tuesday, Mar 26th 2024, 19:10
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Switzerland's Ambassador to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, Félix Baumann, and the Acting Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Andrii Danyk, signed a partnership memorandum on Tuesday to deepen cooperation.
The aim is to strengthen cooperation in emergencies between the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU), as the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) reported on Tuesday. The aim is also to improve cooperation in the implementation of rescue operations and the provision of essential and immediate assistance to the civilian population of Ukraine.
Among other things, Switzerland is donating vehicles and spare parts and improving the professional skills of SESU staff through training and exercises. In addition, capacities in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and emergency energy services are to be increased.
Construction of a logistics center
One focus in 2024 will be on the construction of a logistics center for the technical service unit of the SESU main department in the Kiev region. The aim is to ensure fast and efficient distribution of the donated equipment.
According to the press release, SESU has been at the forefront of meeting the emergency needs resulting from the war. Last year alone, SESU responded to 404,368 calls for help and rescued 4846 people.
"With this memorandum, Switzerland is reaffirming its solidarity with Ukraine and its commitment to supporting people in need," Ambassador Baumann was quoted as saying in the press release.
The parties also agree to improve the capacity of SESU departments at municipal level, particularly in frontline regions such as Sloviansk and Kherson. According to the agreement, the SDC intends to provide funding of up to CHF 2.8 million by the end of the year.
©Keystone/SDA
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