For the first time, 25 rescuers and firefighters from the Republic of Moldova today go on an international mission to help the local authorities to extinguish the devastating fires in Greece, IPN reports.

Attending the event, Minister of Home Affairs Ana Revenco said she is honored to start her job with such an event that is a premiere for the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations. “It is for the first time that a team of firefighters and rescuers from our country will take part in the alleviation of the consequences of calamities in another country. Today Greece needs assistance and the Republic of Moldova is ready to lend a hand. The mission is performed based on a bilateral agreement between the responsible institutions of the Republic of Moldova and the Hellenic Republic,” stated Ana Revenco.

The minister noted that during many years the Republic of Moldova received qualified aid when it was in difficulty.  “Time has come for us to also help with our specialists’ expertise and competency in other regions affected by disasters. The wildfires, floods, snowstorms and other extreme weather are more frequent all over the world. These are the effects of climate change. Under such circumstances, we must be ready to intervene immediately in any type of calamities,” said Ana Revenco.

The new minister also said that she aims to strengthen the capacities of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations so that this institution copes with the challenges and climate change in the country and the region. “This implies the continuous improvement of the skills of employees, diversification of the Inspectorate’s services and intervention operations, enhancing of the risk analysis capacities and extension and strengthening of international partnerships. The countries must work together to meet these challenges,” stated the official.

The Inspectorate’s head Mihail Harabagiu said the request for aid from Greece came through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. “It is a rather difficult mission, but I know the potential of the Inspectorates’ employees and I’m sure that the 24 rescuers and firefighters will succeed,” he noted.