MINSK, 31 October (BelTA) - The head of the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Russia, Belarus and Moldova Magne Barth arrived in Minsk on an official visit to discuss further cooperation, BelTA has learned.
“This is my first visit to the country. I hope for an engaged dialogue with representatives of the Belarusian Red Cross and the Belarusian authorities about the prospects and areas of further cooperation,” Magne Barth said.
The visit will last till 2 November. Magne Barth is scheduled to meet with the leaders of the Belarusian Red Cross, representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, the Interior, and Emergency Situations.
The ICRC assists the Belarusian Red Cross in disseminating knowledge of the fundamental principles of the Red Cross movement and international humanitarian law, strengthening the capacities of the Belarusian Red Cross for action in case of emergencies, teaching the public first aid skills, helping vulnerable migrants and restoring family links (including finding the information about the relatives deceased during World War II). This year, the total budget of the joint programs amounted to €817,000.
Magne Barth was appointed the head of the ISRC Delegation in Russia, Belarus and Moldova in August 2016. Prior to that, he was head of the Delegation in Islamabad, Baghdad, and Damascus.