The Secretary-General of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO), Mr. Arguj Kalantarli, paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Within the framework of this visit, he met with the Director General of the General Directorate of Civil Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Dr. Hamiud bin Sulaiman Al-Faraj,on 25 January.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the current state of relations between the ICDO and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to explore concrete avenues for expanding cooperation. Particular attention was given to civil defence development, emergency preparedness and response systems, and closely related areas of professional engagement.

In this regard, the Secretary-General noted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s extensive experience in the field of civil defence, as well as the advanced level of its institutional development, technical capabilities, and operational readiness.

The discussions further focused on the ICDO’s present strategic priorities and activities implemented under its humanitarian mandate. These included ongoing humanitarian projects, internal institutional reforms, and modernization initiatives aimed at strengthening the Organization’s operational effectiveness.

Within this framework, the Secretary-General also welcomed the presentation of Civil Defense Institute delivered by the General Directorate of Civil Defence, which offered a comprehensive overview of its institutional structure, functions, and core activities. Both sides emphasized the importance of developing structured cooperation mechanisms, notably through joint training programmes, professional exchanges, and specialized courses.

The exchange of views also covered additional issues of common interest and concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to sustaining regular professional dialogue and translating discussions into practical cooperation.