ArmInfo.Armenian Minister of Emergency Situations David Tonoyan received on February 12 the Ambassador of France to Armenia Jonathan Lacote and the delegation headed by the Head of the Department of Ecological Analysis and Control of the Commissariat for Atomic and Alternative Energy.
According to the press service of Armenian MES, during the visit, the sides discussed the results of bilateral cooperation between the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Department of Environmental Analysis and Environmental Control, as well as opportunities for further development and expansion of cooperation planned for 2018.
The Armenian-French cooperation in the field of seismology began in 2007, and in 2011 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Commissariat for Atomic and Alternative Energy, which will be in force until 2021. As a result of joint work, the network of the Seismic Protection Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Armenia was expanded; six seismometers and six accelerometers were donated last year, with the help of which earthquakes were recorded.
Highly appreciating Armenian-French cooperation, David Tonoyan emphasized the importance of joint scientific research in the field of seismic hazard and seismic risk assessment, especially in the process of disaster risk reduction.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress achieved by Armenia as a result of cooperation, the French side expressed its readiness to expand the sphere of cooperation. The parties also agreed to continue the retraining of specialists and exchange of experience.
The Minister for Emergency Situations invited the French side to take part in the events to be held in Armenia on December 5-7 on "Sustainable Armenia" dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Spitak earthquake.