Cyprus and Israel have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in civil protection, emergency management and preparedness for crises and disasters following a visit to Cyprus by a three-member delegation from Israel's National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA).
The delegation was headed by Brigadier General (ret.) Itzik Bar, head of NEMA.
The visit focused on strengthening cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and Israel in areas including emergency preparedness, crisis coordination and disaster response.
Talks on memorandum and joint work plan
At the start of the visit, the delegation was received by Civil Defence deputy commander Theodoros Lemoniatis, who presented the role, responsibilities and capabilities of Cyprus Civil Defence.
The two sides also discussed advancing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and an associated Work Plan between the two countries.
During the visit, the Israeli delegation held meetings with representatives of the Ministry of Interior and Civil Defence, the Ministry of Defence and the National Guard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Crisis Management Centre, the Geological Survey Department, the ZENON Coordination Centre, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) and the Cyprus Regional Aerial Firefighting Station (CRAFS).
Professor George Boustras, adviser to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, also participated in the meetings.
The delegation separately met the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Defence, with discussions focusing on prospects for further cooperation in areas of common interest related to emergency preparedness and management.
Delegation visits emergency facilities
During its stay in Cyprus, the Israeli delegation was briefed on the country's existing framework, structures and capabilities in civil protection, crisis coordination and management, search and rescue, natural hazard monitoring and aerial firefighting.
The programme included visits to coordination centres and facilities operated by the relevant services.
These included Civil Defence facilities, the Civil Defence Training Centre and Search and Rescue Station in Limassol, the ZENON Coordination Centre, the JRCC and CRAFS.
Focus on expertise, training and practical cooperation
Particular emphasis was placed on exchanging experience and technical expertise, training and developing practical areas of cooperation.
The two sides also continued work on the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on emergency management.
The visit concluded with the signing of the 2026-27 Work Plan, setting out actions to be completed as part of the bilateral cooperation framework.
The Ministries of Interior and Defence said the common objective was to further strengthen cooperation between Cyprus and Israel through the exchange of expertise in emergency management.
The agreement is intended to support closer coordination and practical cooperation between the two countries as they prepare to respond to emergencies, crises and natural disasters.
Source: CNA
