The Council of Ministers approved the draft law “On ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania on cooperation in the field of defense against natural disasters and other”. This agreement on cooperation in the field of civil emergencies will significantly increase the capacity and responsiveness of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania and the National Agency for Civil Protection in dealing with situations arising from natural disasters or other emergencies.

The agreement states that this mutual assistance may consist of humanitarian supplies, rescue and protective equipment, rescue teams and individual specialists. On the basis of this agreement, the Parties will provide rescue teams and individual experts offering assistance with a simplified procedure for crossing the state border, taking into account the applicable entry conditions, in order to ensure faster and more effective assistance in protection and rescue, as well as in dealing with the aftermath of a disaster.

In addition, the agreement stipulates that rescue teams or individual professionals providing protection, assistance, rescue equipment and other forms of assistance may be dispatched by ship and aircraft in an emergency. Military aircraft and vessels may be used for the purposes of this agreement only with the consent of the host state.

Parliament is expected to ratify the pact.