Public Security Chief discusses civil protection cooperation with Syrian official

Manama, July 10 (BNA): Lieutenant General Tariq bin Hassan Al Hassan, Chief of Public Security and Chairman of the National Committee for Civil Emergency Management, met with Dr. Ahmed Qazziz, Assistant Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management for the Syrian Arab Republic, to discuss enhancing cooperation in the fields of civil protection and disaster risk reduction.

The meeting aimed to strengthen joint efforts and facilitate the exchange of expertise in emergency and crisis management. Lieutenant General Al Hassan underscored the depth of bilateral relations as a foundation for advancing cooperation and reiterated the shared commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and national preparedness.

Discussions covered key areas of mutual interest, including the development of national risk assessment and management methodologies, the design and implementation of joint training programmes and national exercises, and the organisation of specialised courses in civil defence and emergency response. The meeting also addressed the provision of technical consultations to support national strategies for civil protection and institutional resilience.

Additional topics included community awareness initiatives, the promotion of a civil protection culture, and enhanced engagement with international organisations to leverage their capabilities in supporting member states. The two sides also reviewed emergency response planning related to hazardous and nuclear materials.

Dr. Qazziz expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s ongoing support to the Syrian Arab Republic. He commended the practical measures observed during the visit, noting that they reflect a unified Arab approach to safeguarding communities and strengthening disaster preparedness.

Following the meeting, Dr. Qazziz visited the National Emergency Management Centre and the General Directorate of Civil Defence, where he was briefed on recent technical and operational upgrades to Bahrain’s civil defence fleet. He also received an overview of public safety procedures, including early warning systems, risk anticipation mechanisms, unit readiness, and modern monitoring tools. The role of the Emergency Management Centre in coordinating among national stakeholders and supporting strategic emergency planning was also highlighted.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chief of Public Security, the Deputy Director General of Civil Defence, and a number of senior officers and directors from civil defence departments.