Within a development cooperation framework between the Palestinian International Cooperation Agency (PICA), the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM), Polish Aid and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), a specialized training program on “treating with victims of emergency casualties in crises according to international standards” was conducted at the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 30 trainees from the Palestinian Red Crescent society and members of PRRRT took part in this specialized program which includes risk analysis, crisis management procedures at the national and international levels, dealing with injuries and traumas during emergencies.
The two-day training, which was delivered by specialized trainers from PCPM, and aimed at preparing local ambulance staff, paramedics and emergency personnel and to developing their skills and to enhance their efficiencies in crisis situations.
PICA Director General, Imad Al-Zuhairi, on behalf of H.E Dr. Riad Malki, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and PICA Chairman of the Board of Management, handed over the certificates to trainees from the Red Crescent and PRRRT, praising their individual and collective abilities, which will generally be reflected on their performance in upcoming missions.
Within the same context and to enhance Palestinian-Polish cooperation in the development field, PICA welcomed Director General of International Cooperation at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Michael Siegan, and Mrs. Olga Gablonsky, head of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who visited Palestine to follow up the programs and projects implemented by Poland in various Palestinian areas. The meeting was also attended by the Polish Ambassador to the State of Palestine, H.E. Alexandra Makayeb, and Ms. Bashia Nino, Development Policy Officer at the Poland Representation Office. PICA Program Manager Sherine Alfar in charge of Development and cooperation program with Poland, Third Secretary Dima Arqan and Nour Abdelrahim participated in the meeting.
PICA Director General, Imad Al-Zuhairi, briefed Mr. Siegan on the cooperation programs between PICA, the Representative Office of Poland and PCPM. Al-Zuhairi affirmed the importance of what has been achieved so far with the Polish side pertaining to supporting PRRRT work and developing their abilities.
Mr. Siegan explained the importance of cooperation between Poland and Palestine, stressing that Poland support for Palestine through the various development projects being implemented in Palestine is a priority. Mr. Siegan also expressed the importance of benefiting from the Palestinian experience in the implementation of joint interventions and triangular projects in Africa.
The two parties concluded the meeting by agreeing on a number of activities, including joint missions to serve other African countries through the use of Palestinian polish expertise in specific fields, especially in disaster response and humanitarian interventions, and in enhancing the cooperation in media in favor of countries that fall within the priorities of the two parties.