On 11 August 2026, the Secretary-General of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO), Mr. Arguj Kalantarli, held a meeting with Ms. Li Xiaomei, Minister at the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, at the ICDO Headquarters in Geneva.

The meeting focused on further strengthening the longstanding cooperation between the ICDO and the People’s Republic of China and on exploring avenues for expanding bilateral engagement. Both sides underlined the importance of China’s longstanding membership in the Organization and recognized its role as a reliable and longstanding partner of the ICDO.

The discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining close and regular dialogue and developing broader areas of practical cooperation between the ICDO and China. In this context, the Secretary-General provided an overview of the Organization’s ongoing reform process, current initiatives and modernization activities, as well as its efforts to further enhance international cooperation and engagement with Member States.

Particular attention was given to opportunities for developing joint capacity-building initiatives and programmes. The parties also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and explored avenues for closer cooperation in civil protection and disaster risk reduction.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to further deepen cooperation, maintain close dialogue and identify new opportunities for practical engagement.