Taipei, Nov. 18 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Thursday he hopes Asian countries can strengthen exchanges and cooperation in disaster prevention and post-disaster relief for the benefit of all parties concerned.
Chen made the appeal in a speech delivered at the opening of the 23rd annual conference of the International Fire Chief's Association of Asia (IFCAA).
Noting that disaster knows no borders, Chen said international cooperation in meteorological and seismological studies is needed in disaster prevention and control. "In view of our geographical proximity, we Asian countries should increase exchanges in experience of fire-fighting and battling various natural disasters. We should also enhance relevant technological and resources exchanges so that we can create a better and safer living environment for our peoples," Chen said.
In the modern world, Chen said, a natural disaster can often evolve into a regional crisis. "Against this backdrop, we should have new concepts about security, cooperation and disaster prevention measures, " Chen said, adding that he believes cooperation in disaster prevention and post-disaster rehabilitation can eventually contribute to regional integration.