Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the Ministry of Emergency Situations-hosted presentation of fire engines provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Japanese side has provided 14 fire-engines, 3 carriages and 1 controller cars to our country.

In his speech, Prime Minister Pashinyan particularly noted:
“Honorable Mr. Ambassador,
Dear JICA representative Ejiry Yukihiko,
Dear Mr. Minister,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am glad to attend this ceremonious event, which is a presentation of another assistance program realized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This time JICA has provided modernization assistance to Syunik, Lori and Shirak regional firefighting divisions of Armenia’s Emergency Rescue Service. Under the current program, the Japanese government provides Armenia with 36 engines, 3 staircase cars, mobile workshops and spare parts to a total cost of about USD 14.5 million.

I want to express our gratitude to the Government of Japan for the assistance provided to Armenia for many years and for their financial and technical assistance. Your support has gone a long way toward facilitating Armenia’s development programs, modernizing the economy and infrastructures. JICA’s assistance is crucial in terms of upgrading and improving our energy system.

Japan’s assistance was particularly significant in terms of strengthening our ability to respond to natural disasters, including landslides, earthquakes, as well as with regard to the modernization of fire service capacity. I would like to mention another program, which was inaugurated today. I mean the provision of USD 1.3 million-worth equipment for digitizing Armenian Public Television’s archival records.

Armenia is eager to strengthen the friendly ties and cooperation with Japan. I am convinced that our peoples have many affinities. Both the Japanese and the Armenians boast a unique culture of their own. It is also remarkable that both of them have a well-pronounced sense of national identity. The relief programs are, of course, the expression of our friendship and the kindness of Japan towards Armenia. The reciprocated sympathy of our peoples and countries is a strong basis for the furtherance of bilateral relations.

We will spare no effort in the search for new ways of strengthening bilateral ties and develop mutually beneficial cooperation. Thank you.”

As a symbol of long-term and effective cooperation, the RA Ministry of Emergency Situations has released a JICA-dedicated stamp.

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On September 7, 2017, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Japan International Cooperation Agency signed a grant agreement on the provision of 36 fire-engines, 3 carriages and one controller car.

14 fire engines, 3 escalators and one sorting machine (mobile workshop) have already reached our country. 22 fire-engines will be provided by September-October, 2019 under the second stage.

The program’s first stage was distributed as follows: Shirak Marz - 6 5 fire-engines and 1 escalator; Lori Marz - 6 fire-engines and 1 escalator, Syunik Marz - 5 units of 4 fire engines and 1 escalator.

From April 18 to May 25, 2019, the RA Ministry of Emergency Situations’ State Academy of Crises Management SNCO has organized specialized training courses on the operation and maintenance of firefighting vehicles within the Lori, Shirak and Syunik Regions Improvement Program. with the participation of specialists.