The third extraordinary session of the General Assembly of the International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) was held in Baku on July 10.

The session opened with the ICDO anthem, followed by a message from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, which was read by the country's Prime Minister, Ali Asadov.

The Vice-President of the ICDO Executive Council, Vinicio Félix Chavarría Báez, and Acting Secretary-General of the ICDO, Roman Lapin, delivered speeches highlighting the issues the session would address.

Then, the Credentials Committee's report was presented, and the session's agenda was formally approved. Following the presentation of the candidates for the ICDO Secretary-General position, a vote was conducted.

As a result of the vote, Colonel Arguj Kalantarli, Head of the International Relations Department at Azerbaijan's Ministry of Emergency Situations, was unanimously elected Secretary-General of the International Civil Defense Organization. The election saw candidates from four member states – Azerbaijan, Serbia, Burkina Faso, and Tunisia – compete for the position.

Following the announcement of the vote results, the newly elected ICDO Secretary-General, Colonel Arguj Kalantarli, delivered a speech expressing his gratitude for the trust placed in him and pledged to diligently fulfill his duties.

The closing remarks were made by Azerbaijan's Minister of Emergency Situations, Colonel-General Kamaladdin Heydarov.

The minister thanked all participants of the third extraordinary session of the ICDO General Assembly for their productive and constructive engagement. He also expressed deep appreciation to President Ilham Aliyev for his steadfast support, strategic vision, and ongoing commitment to advancing international cooperation in civil protection.

Highlighting the importance of unity, Kamaladdin Heydarov noted that the sessions held in Baku reaffirmed that effective emergency response requires joint, coordinated efforts. He confirmed Azerbaijan's continued active role in supporting ICDO initiatives and contributing to its development.

The session culminated with the playing of the ICDO anthem, marking the official close of the assembly in Baku.

AZERTAC