Observers from BRICS states, including rescue workers from the United Arab Emirates, have been invited to take part in the experimental research exercises Safe Arctic 2025 within the framework of the development of relations in the emergency response area, Director of the Information Policy Department of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations Roman Okhotenko told Sputnik.
"All BRICS states have got an invitation to the emergency response exercise Safe Arctic 2025. It will start in January in [the Russian city of] Arkhangelsk and will be conducted in 10 regions of Russia. As part of this exercise, expeditions are planned in the Chukotka Autonomous Area," Okhotenko said.
The Russian Emergencies Ministry will strive to maintain a high level of interaction with emergency departments of other BRICS states, paying special attention to practical events, such as exercises and training in the action coordination of the command centers during emergencies, he said.
The official added that BRICS states are also invited to the exercises organized by the ministry in Noginsk, Moscow Region, scheduled for May 2025, while the Russian delegation will be expected at the World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
In 2025, Okhotenko said, Russia is planning to focus on the development of natural disasters’ monitoring systems, natural disaster warning systems, the use of artificial intelligence, and the creation of rescue detachments which meet the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group's (INSARAG) standards, adding that Russia already has three detachments of this kind.