The Secretary-General of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO), Mr. Arguj Kalantarli, held an online meeting with Colonel Theodoros Lemoniatis, Acting Commander of the Cyprus Civil Defence Force, on 17 August 2026. The meeting underscored the longstanding relationship between the ICDO and the Republic of Cyprus and provided an opportunity to explore avenues for further strengthening practical cooperation.

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between the ICDO and Cyprus through joint training and certification programmes, emergency planning, expert exchanges, and specialized cooperation in civil protection and disaster risk reduction. The two sides also discussed the potential for Cyprus to host joint training activities, workshops or conferences with the ICDO, thereby creating additional opportunities for the exchange of expertise and best practices among Member States.

Secretary-General Kalantarli briefed Colonel Lemoniatis on the ICDO’s ongoing institutional reform and modernization initiatives, as well as its current and forthcoming activities aimed at enhancing the Organization’s effectiveness and strengthening international cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on further broadening the ICDO’s engagement with its Member States and encouraging their active participation in the Organization’s initiatives, while appreciation was expressed for Cyprus’s continued support for these efforts.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to identify practical avenues for future engagement, with both sides expressing interest in advancing joint initiatives that would bring added value to their respective civil protection efforts.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining close cooperation and pursuing new opportunities to further strengthen the partnership between the ICDO and the Republic of Cyprus.