Belarusian Emergency Situations Minister Vadim Sinyavsky said his ministry was planning to take part in an Arctic rescue drill next year, together with their Russian counterparts. The Belarusian Ministry for Emergency Situations is interested in exchanging experience, he noted.

“We have a lot to learn from our Russian colleagues and other CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) colleagues. We do not face these emergency situations, such as those in the Arctic. We will certainly take part in this drill, due to be held there. We have a lot to learn about cleanup operations during and after flash floods. There are many rivers and lakes in our republic, and we must be prepared for this,” the Minister said.

Belarusian rescue workers and their colleagues from other countries are trying to tip off and train each other all the time, Sinyavsky noted.  

“We have good experience of training specialists and engaging in international cooperation, and we are learning,” he added.

According to Sinyavsky, emergency situations ministers of CSTO countries have been annually planning joint events since 2007 within the framework of the Coordinating Council for Emergency Situations.