An idea that is already a reality: the volunteer fire and rescue base of Spitak community, renovated and reequipped, was operated on October 10. The base, established in 2021, was renovated within the framework of the Volfire program by funded the Austrian Development Agency and the Austrian Red Cross. The opening ceremony of the volunteer fire and rescue base in Mets Parni was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Rescue Service, the Embassy of France in Armenia, the Austrian Red Cross, the Austrian Development Agency, the Armenian Red Cross, regional and community authorities and non-governmental organizations. The Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs took an active part in the re-equipment of the base, donating a fire truck to the community, as well as organizing training and qualification exams for volunteers. The Lori Regional Administration, the Spitak Community Administration and the Armenian Red Cross also provided support. Bagrat Vardazaryan, Deputy Head of the Rescue Forces Department of the Rescue Service expressed his gratitude the volunteers and representatives of the organizations that contributed to the renovation and re-equipment of the base, and emphasized the practical steps towards the development of a volunteer culture. Thierry Gerard, Head of the Austrian Red Cross Program, congratulating the volunteers of the base, noted that the Austrian company was expressed its support to the Spitak community in this way.The representatives of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs presented badges to the qualified volunteers. Volunteers who received the rescuer qualification demonstrated their professional skills in crisis situations through training. The introduction of a volunteer fire and rescue institute in communities is an important step in the context of ensuring the safety of the population and rapid response in crisis situations.

The delegation led by the Director of RS-Deputy Minister of IA Kamo Tsutsulyan, participated in the annual meeting of the Africa-Europe-Central Asia (AEME) regional working group of the international urban search and rescue advisory group in Prague, Czech Republic, during which the activity conducted in 2025 was summarized. During the reporting period, one team was qualified, four were requalified and dozens of exercises were organized. As of October 2025, there are 58 qualified teams worldwide (34 heavy, 20 medium and 4 light).During the meeting, group discussions were held on the main strategic provisions for 2021-2026: quality standards, localization, flexible response and partnership. The strategy for 2026-2030 was discussed. The work plan for the next year was also presented. Accordingly, 3 qualification and 12 requalification processes are planned to be conducted in the region in 2026. New manuals of the International Urban Search and Rescue Advisory Group will be published in 2026. Director of RS-Deputy Minister of IA Kamo Tsutsulyan had meetings with the Secretary of the International Urban Search and Rescue Advisory Group Sebastian Rodes Stampa, General Director of the Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic Vladimir Vlček, Head of the Rapid Response Unit of the Swiss Cooperation Office David Sokor, political leaders and experts of the countries of the International Urban Search and Rescue Advisory Group region. An agreement was reached with the Head of the Rapid Response Unit of the Swiss Cooperation Office David Sokor to begin the preparatory work for the requalification process of the Armenian COP team. Kamo Tsutsulyan invited David Sokor to Armenia to conduct a preliminary assessment of the team's needs. The Russian Federation had assumed the chairmanship of the regional working group of the International Urban Search and Rescue Advisory Group.

On October 6, RS Deputy Director of MIA Tigran Petrosyan received a delegation of French experts led by Thierry Girard. They discussed the progress and prospects of the implementation of the “Support Program for Armenia: EU Resilience Development, NDICI-GE Funding 2025–2027” program. The main purpose of the program was to increase resilience through the formation of an effective, comprehensive disaster risk management system. Tigran Petrosyan emphasized the importance of international partnership, noting that the support of such an experienced and willing partner as France will contribute to the development of the capabilities of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the voluntary rescue system. In his speech, the lead of the delegation Thierry Girard highly appreciated the efforts of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in disaster risk reduction, prevention and population protection. During the meeting, the heads of the Rescue Service departments presented a number of initiatives aimed at the formation of volunteer fire and rescue teams, crisis management, response organization, provision of psychological support and medical assistance, implementation of civil protection, prevention of disaster risk and elimination of consequences. The working meeting was an important platform to assess the capabilities, discuss the institutionalization of the volunteer rescue system, as well as the possibilities of integrating the actions of the European Union-supported project into the Disaster Risk Management Strategy and the national legislative and institutional framework. The priority areas of the project were also discussed, including issues aimed at improving risk assessment at the community and national levels, developing professional and volunteer capacities, strengthening public awareness and preparedness. The parties reaffirmed their willingness to continue cooperation, the main purpose of which was to create a more ready and resilient system of rapid response and elimination of the consequences of disasters in Armenia.

From September 30 to October 3, the fire and rescue teams of the Yerevan Rescue Department of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs participated in the training on "Firefighting Tactics" held at the Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Response Center, which was conducted by experts from the Civil Protection Department of the French Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Center's instructors were also involved. During theoretical and practical training, the members of the fire and rescue squads were introduced to the methods and skills of firefighting in various fire situations. The training sessions were conducted in an interactive and practical format, as a result of the event participants received in-depth knowledge, improving their professional skills. During the practical phase, the doctor on duty of the Medical Care Division of the Psychological Assistance and Medical Care Department monitored the health condition of the rescuers. According to Bernard Jannin, an expert from the Civil Protection Department of the Ministry of the Interior France, the goal of the training was to develop firefighting skills in various fire situations, in a closed thermal impact zone, applying the knowledge gained. The firefighters participated in it with willingness and high responsibility, as a result of the exchange of experience, they developed their theoretical and practical knowledge. Training sessions conducted with the involvement of international partners were not only the basis for the development of professional skills, but also for the expansion of cooperation.

The Director of RS-Deputy Minister of IA Kamo Tsutsulyan, as the political representative of the Republic of Armenia in the UN International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), conducted a working discussion with the Armenian Urban Search and Rescue Team on October 1. The purpose of the discussion was to outline the steps to be taken within the framework of the 2027 INSARAG external requalification process and ensure its proper implementation. According to Kamo Tsutsoulyan, requalification was of great importance both in terms of developing the capabilities of the Rescue Service and ensuring a response in accordance with international standards. Referring to the positive assessment of international partners in the activities of the Armenian Urban Search and Rescue Group in Turkey and Syria, Kamo Tsutsulyan emphasized the importance of maintaining the standard. The activities aimed at the external requalification of INSARAG in 2027, the need for staff training and bringing logistical capabilities in line with international standards were presented.  Kamo Tsutsulyan instructed to clarify the 2026 roadmap, develop mechanisms for capacity building and prepare for the prequalification drills. During the discussion, team members presented proposals, identified existing issues and reaffirmed their commitment and responsibility toward the process.

The community resilience began with the preparedness of residents. On September 23, the rescuers, local government representatives, international partners and residents joined forces to strengthen disaster response capabilities and develop skills in Kut settlement of Vardenis community. "Various events and training exercises are constantly being held for different levels. The goal of the training exercises is for the participating personnel and the population to be constantly prepared and informed", noted Deputy Head of Gegharkunik Regional Rescue Department Garegin Hakobyan. The scenario of the command top table exercise was as close to reality as possible: an “Air-raid” warning siren were used, sheltering and evacuation of residents began, as well as rescue and disaster recovery forces immediately went into action.  “Planned exercises are important, which are held several times a year in different settlements of Vardenis enlarged community. I would like to express my special gratitude to the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for organizing such events”, noted the First Deputy Head of Vardenis enlarged community, Karen Mkrtchyan. The exercise covered a full range of emergency situations. According to the scenario, buildings and structures, including a school, were damaged with fire and citizens were stuck. “Such exercises help rescuers to perform their actions more skillfully, to be able to perform their work more properly,” noted the commander of the Vardenis Emergency Rescue Service, Mkhitar Karapetyan.  “We value such events that promote disaster preparedness and support the Armenian government and communities by providing financial support for projects aimed at increasing disaster resilience”, said the Expert and Coordinator of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) Marlise Lensink. An important part of the exercise was also the assessment of the primary needs of the evacuated population, life support and psychological support activities. “The actions of the rescue service are visible. Such field exercises are very important for our population and demonstrate all the important actions that must be carried out during an emergency”, said World Vision Armenia Program Manager Zara Lalayan. Such exercises were an opportunity to improve response skills and preparedness in communities, as well as an important platform for strengthening cooperation between local and international partners.  Such exercises provided an opportunity to improve response skills and preparedness in communities, as well as serve as an important platform for strengthening cooperation between local and international partners. "The mission of the Rescue Service is extremely important. We support the efforts of the Rescue Service to strengthen community preparedness. These kinds of exercises help people be ready for disasters and protect themselves and their loved ones", said Kiri Atri, External Relations Officer at UNHCR Armenia. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, emphasizing the continuous development of disaster resilience capacities, considers the implementation of such exercises in different regions a priority, as they contribute to building strong and resilient communities.

On September 4, the events were held across the country with the aim of fostering a more informed, prepared and protected society within the framework of Rescuer’s Professional Day. The citizens were provided with information about disaster threats, their causes, and mechanisms for quick and effective response to emergencies. The emphasis was placed on the role of individual preparedness as a primary tool for reducing disasters and their consequences. The informational materials including flyers and booklets had been developed and made available to the public within the framework of the UN Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) 2025–2026 Disaster Preparedness Program, as well as with the support of the European Union and partner organizations. Additionally, a presentation was held for the guidebook on "Code of Conduct for Disasters Threatening Armenia" manual, which emphasized the rules of conduct during the most frequently occurring hazardous natural phenomena in the country. The practical guide “When there is an emergency” was reprinted with the support of EU, which allowed you to quickly navigate in emergency situations. Information materials were distributed in public places, educational institutions, community centers and regions, paying special attention to different age and vulnerable groups. The awareness-raising activities of the Rescue Service was contributed to raising the level of awareness of citizens, as well as increasing the resilience of communities and forming a safety culture.Such activities are ongoing.

The delegation of the Rescue Service of RA Ministry of Internal Affairs, led by the Director of RS-Deputy Minister of IA Kamo Tsutsulyan, participated from September 17 to 18 in the 37th meeting of the CIS Interstate Council on natural and man-made emergencies held in the Republic of Tajikistan. On September 17, the participants of the meeting were introduced to the capabilities of the Shakhrinava Rescue Retraining National Center, which comply with international standards, including the training facilities, field camp, technical equipment, assets, and firefighting and rescue machinery. On September 18, during the Interstate Council meeting, the RS Director Kamo Tsutsulyan also made a speech. On behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he welcomed the participants of the meeting and presented the reforms being implemented within the Ministry, particularly within the Rescue Service. He also spoke about the work being carried out in the framework of cooperation with the Regional Emergency Response Mechanism (RERM) concerning retraining and technical equipment.  Kamo Tsutsulyan assured that the Rescue Service of MIA was ready to exert maximum efforts to strengthen and develop cooperation with the CIS member states in the spirit of humanitarian ideals and for the safety of the population. At the end of the meeting, the activities conducted during the reporting period was summarized, and several interstate agreements related to the emergency situations sector within the CIS were signed.  

From September 8 to 11, a delegation led by the Director of RS - Deputy Minister of IA Kamo Tsutsulyan, participated as an observer in a field exercise jointly organized by NATO and the Republic of Bulgaria in Sofia and Montana town of Bulgaria.  The purposes of the exercise were to strengthen the capabilities of NATO Allies and Partner countries to manage emergency situations and security challenges, exchange best practices among participating countries and organizations, and promote cooperation. The exercise was attended by about 1,200 participants. Kamo Tsutsulyan participated in panel discussions on information threats and crisis management. The representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs also observed practical demonstrations of innovative technologies and systems, during which artificial intelligence was applied in crisis and emergency management.

On July 3, the Director of the Rescue Service-the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Kamo Tsutsulyan and the General Director of South Caucasus Railway CJSC Alexey Melnikov, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen joint efforts in responding to and mitigating the consequences of emergency situations involving hazardous materials on railway infrastructure. The Director of the Rescue Service, addressing the importance of deepening sectoral cooperation and effectively implementing joint programs, emphasized that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding serves humanitarian purposes. The General Director of South Caucasus Railway Alexey Melnikov, noted that cooperation with the Rescue Service is a strategic priority for the company.

On June 17, the Director of RS-Deputy Minister of IA Kamo Tsutsulyan received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Armenia Alain de Muyser and the Honorary Consul Suren Zohrabyan. Welcoming the Ambassador, Kamo Tsutsulyan expressed his gratitude for the visit and emphasized that Armenia and Luxembourg had broad opportunities for cooperation in the field of disaster risk management. The Director of the Rescue Service presented the ongoing initiatives in the field of population and civil protection, as well as the prospects for the development of crisis management and emergency communication systems. Mr. Alain de Muyser expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and highly appreciated the programs and initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He highlighted the readiness of Luxembourg to deepen its partnership with Armenia in the fields of prevention of emergencies and population protection. H.E. Ambassador de Muyser expressed his confidence in the realistic potential for developing bilateral cooperation, particularly in disaster risk reduction, strengthening crisis management capacities, experience exchange, improving preparedness levels and enhancing resilience. Both parties reconfirmed their commitment to maintaining continuous cooperation. Several other topics of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting.

On June 5, Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Armenia. The memorandum was signed by Kamo Tsutsulyan, Director of RS-Deputy Minister of IA and Monica Sandr, Representative of the UNHCR Office in Armenia. Kamo Tsutsulyan emphasized that the signing of the memorandum was an outcomes of the active cooperation with the UNHCR Office and that the Rescue Service was ready to continue joint efforts, recognizing the importance of exchanging international experience. Monica Sandri, in her turn, added that this memorandum was another important step toward strengthening Armenia’s preparedness and response capacities in emegency situations. The sides agreed to continue joint efforts to enhance protection mechanisms for people and improve rapid response systems during emergencies.