Japan Donates 22 Fire Trucks to Armenia

On January 29, a ceremonial handover of 22 fire trucks donated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Armenia took place at the MES parade ground. The event was attended by Minister Felix Tsolakyan, Japan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Jun Yamada, Shirak Governor Tigran Petrosyan, Lori Governor Andrey Ghukasyan, and other officials.

The fire trucks are provided under JICA's "Firefighting Equipment Improvement Program" and are intended to enhance the technical capabilities of rescue units in the Shirak, Lori, and Syunik regions. Last year, within the same program, JICA had handed over 14 fire trucks, three aerial ladders, and one command vehicle to the MES.

Welcoming attendees, Minister Felix Tsolakyan expressed great pleasure in once again hosting everyone at the official ceremony for the handover of fire trucks from the Government of Japan to the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The Minister extended his gratitude to the friendly Government of Japan and Japanese partners for their targeted and altruistic support.

Tsolakyan noted that just a few months later, on September 7, Armenia and Japan will mark the 28th anniversary of diplomatic relations, emphasizing that the friendship between the Armenian and Japanese peoples extends beyond diplomatic relations.

"This is yet another testament to the long-standing and unique cooperation of Armenian-Japanese friendship, signified by the approximately 1 billion 540 million yen aid provided by JICA for the technical re-equipment of the MES rescue service units in Shirak, Lori, and Syunik regions under the 'Firefighting Equipment Improvement Program,'" mentioned the MES Minister.

Felix Tsolakyan reminded that the Armenian people remember each friend who extended a helping hand during the catastrophic earthquake in 1988. "It is impossible to forget the assistance offered by Japan to the Armenian people during the devastating Spitak earthquake in 1988. During those days, nurses were dispatched from several Red Cross hospitals in Japan to the disaster zone for up to six months, and several million yen worth of blood bags, syringes, antibiotics, and medications were provided through the USSR embassy in Japan. As I mentioned during our previous meeting, we continue to grasp the outstretched hand of the Japanese people from the days of the earthquake, and we regard our friendship with pride and honor to this day," emphasized Tsolakyan.

Thanking for the support, Minister Tsolakyan noted that it is due to such international cooperation and the periodic exchange of experiences that Armenian rescuers have reached a new qualitative level, ready to assist not only their fellow citizens but also, when necessary, friendly nations.

In his speech, Japan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Jun Yamada remarked that he is delighted to participate in the ceremony for the handover of 22 fire trucks to the MES within the framework of the "Firefighting Equipment Improvement Program." According to Jun Yamada, the grant agreement was signed between the Governments of Japan and Armenia on September 6, 2017, aimed at acquiring fire trucks for rescue units in Shirak, Lori, and Syunik regions.

The Ambassador emphasized the effectiveness and importance of the donation of fourteen fire trucks last May, particularly in light of the numerous fires recorded in Armenia last year. "Therefore, I am confident that the provision of the additional 22 fire trucks is timely, and it will continue to enhance the effectiveness of rescue operations in Shirak, Lori, and Syunik regions. These vehicles are extremely important for disaster prevention," stressed Ambassador Jun Yamada.

He also noted that this extensive cooperation exemplifies yet another instance of close and mutually beneficial relations with the Armenian government. "In conclusion, allow me to once again extend my heartfelt gratitude to Minister Felix Tsolakyan, all employees of the Rescue Service, and congratulate all parties involved in this immensely important project on its successful implementation," concluded the Japanese Ambassador in Armenia.

Afterward, the Minister of Emergency Situations, the Ambassador of Japan to Armenia, and other guests toured the parade ground to examine the donated fire trucks.