EU, China launch disaster risk management project

Kristalina Georgieva, the European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, today formally launches a new project which will bring China and the European Union together to collaborate on disaster risk management. China will benefit from European expertise in strengthening its national system of disaster risk management while both sides profit from much closer dialogue and cooperation in this area. The project will help decision-makers and administrations in China to deal with the challenges of disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction and post-disaster management. The result will be a regular exchange in real-time on capacity-building and science and technology, including on early warning and forecast tools. Commissioner Georgieva said: "For us at the European Commission, and for our Chinese counterparts, it is both practical and mutually beneficial to cooperate in disaster management – and this project proves this. Preparing adequately for disasters, mitigating their impact and providing an effective response and relief to the affected people are all essential elements of sustainable development and good governance. "I hope our cooperation will also extend to other parts of the world where both the European Union and China act as donors of humanitarian relief," she added. During her visit, the Commissioner will also hold meetings with State Counsellor Ma Kai, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Water Resources, Civil affairs, and the Chinese Academy of Governance.