On December 17, a seminar-discussion on civil protection issues was held at the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The representatives from Rescue Service departments, as well as officials responsible for civil protection in the public sector, government bodies, regional administration and local self-government agencies of the Republic of Armenia participated in the event.

The purpose of the event was to strengthen cooperation and ensure preparedness in the field of civil protection.

Edgar Vagharshakyan, Deputy Head of the Civil Protection Department of the RS of MIA delivered an opening speech, highlighting the importance of a working seminar-discussion in such a format, referring to the organization and implementation of civil defense measures as an important function of the state and a key component of national security.

"Numerous programs and activities are being implemented in the field of national security, and conceptual changes are being made. At the same time, there are always tasks to be addressed in the field of civil protection".

"Particularly, the creation of civil defense forces, their technical equipment and training, strengthening the material and technical base and maintaining a high level of readiness of civil defense forces and means are of particular importance in order to more effectively organize measures aimed at protecting and safeguarding lives and health of people, material and cultural values", noted in his speech the Deputy Head of the Civil Defense Department.

During the discussion on the agenda issues, the implementation of fire prevention and fire measures in state government bodies, biological safety from a civil defense perspective, chemical and radiation risks, first psychological aid and first aid during disasters were discussed.

Highlighting the training organized for the management bodies of population protection and civil defense systems in emergency situations was emphasized, which will be continued.
At the end of the meeting, an agreement was reached to continue close cooperation in ensuring the safety of citizens, implementing proper surveillance, increasing the preparedness of the population, raising public awareness and, if necessary, providing assistance to the affected population.