US Embassy Donates Firefighting Equipment to Armenia's Ministry of Emergency Situations

The Ministry of Emergency Situations reports that on January 10, a ceremonial event took place at the Ministry's warehouse, during which the US Embassy donated around 1,500 units of firefighting equipment and tools (valued at $102,000).

The event was attended by Minister of Emergency Situations Felix Tsolakyan and the US Ambassador to Armenia, Lynne Tracy. Minister Tsolakyan expressed gratitude to Ambassador Tracy, the US European Command, and the US Embassy's Office of Military Cooperation for their effective collaboration and support, which began back in 2003.

In 2003, the Kansas-Armenia partnership was established, during which numerous reciprocal visits, training courses, conferences, seminars, and command-staff exercises have been conducted. Through humanitarian assistance programs of the US European Command, approximately one million dollars' worth of equipment has been provided, alongside renovations, modernization, and improvements of several firefighting and rescue units and bases.

“I am confident that our friendly cooperation will continue, and we can assert that the relations between the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the US Embassy in Armenia have seen continuous progress and development, raising them to a qualitatively new level,” emphasized Minister Felix Tsolakyan.

US Ambassador Lynne Tracy noted with satisfaction the high level of cooperation between the US Embassy and the Ministry of Emergency Situations. She also expressed hope that the donated equipment and tools will enhance the capabilities of the Ministry's Rescue Service.

“The 1,500 units of firefighting tools designed to combat wildfires will contribute to developing the capacity to respond to such fires and mitigate their impacts in Armenia. This donation is another example of the close relationship between Armenia and the United States,” stated Ambassador Tracy.

Minister Felix Tsolakyan and US Ambassador Lynne Tracy toured the warehouse, inspecting the donated equipment and tools. During the 2019-2021 period under the humanitarian program of the US Army European Command, renovation works for the buildings of firefighting and rescue units and the development of personnel capabilities will be conducted in the Shirak regional rescue department. New firefighting buildings will be constructed in Gyumri and Ashotsk, while renovation works will be carried out in Akhuryan and Ani.