Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Disaster Policy Management Minister Emel Etem and the Chairman of the Civil Protection Committee with NATO's Senior Civil Emergency Planning Committee Peter Veraart took part in a working meeting of civil protection officials of the US, Canada, Belgium, Norway and Greece at the Civil Protection National Service on Thursday, Etem's Ministry said.

Etem familiarized the guests with her Ministry's priorities and activities and noted that population protection work has achieved positive results over the last two years and that a legal framework in this field has been developed. "New ways and areas for upgrading the culture of prevention and for enhancing the preparation of trainees are sought," Etem noted. She briefed the participants in the meeting on the establishment of a National Training Centre and a Centre for Vocational Training of Rescuers. The guests were also familiarized with the recently opened Aerospace Surveillance Centre and Regional Centre for 112 Emergency Calls.

Veraart said he was impressed by the pace of operation of the Disaster Management Ministry. He shared the experience of the Netherlands in the sphere of prevention and early warning.

Etem expressed satisfaction that NATO accepted Bulgaria's invitation to host the Plenary and Seminar of the Civil Protection Committee with NATO's Senior Civil Emergency Planning Committee.