The Russian Red Cross and the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan signed a memorandum of understanding which opens up new prospects for joint humanitarian work. The document includes provisions for cooperation in the fields of emergency response, vulnerable social groups support, development of volunteer work, and disease prevention.
The MOA was signed in Ashgabat within the framework of a meeting which brought together heads of National Societies of Red Cross and Red Crescent of CIS countries, representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
“The memorandum we have just signed is an important step towards stronger cooperation between our National Societies. Today emergencies are increasingly transboundary in nature, and it takes concerted action to deliver help quickly and effectively. For the Russian Red Cross this cooperation broadens opportunities for exchanging experience and pooling resources with our Turkmenistan colleagues,” said Pavel Savchuk, President of the Russian Red Cross.
In the course of the two-day meeting, the heads of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies from CIS countries discussed the major humanitarian challenges facing the region such as emergency response, disaster preparedness and community resilience, as well as aspects of humanitarian diplomacy and promotion of international humanitarian law. When moderating the discussion on emergency response, President of the Russian Red Cross shared a humanitarian situation review.
The key outcome of the meeting was the Declaration of the Ashgabat Meeting of the heads of the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies from CIS countries. In this document, the delegates reaffirmed adherence to the principles of humanity and neutrality and stated their intention to develop regional cooperation in the areas of transboundary response, establishment of humanitarian stocks and logistics mechanisms, and enhancement of partnerships with government institutions and international organizations.
The meetings were attended by the heads of National Red Crescent Societies of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the Armenian Red Cross, and the Russian Red Cross.
Within the framework of the event, President of the Russian Red Cross Pavel Savchuk held a working meeting with Ibrahim Abdullah Al-Malki, Vice President of the Qatar Red Crescent Society. The parties discussed prospective areas of cooperation, agreed on the development of joint activities, and confirmed the shared principle of unacceptability of humanitarian work politicization under any geopolitical conditions.
