Arsen Avakov held a meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent
During the conversation, the parties discussed the cooperation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with the company “BARON” in the issue of modernization of hydrometeorological system of Ukraine, continuation of cooperation with INL.
The Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine thanked the American side for its comprehensive support and assistance to the reforms implemented by the ministry.
“We signed the Protocol of Intent between the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the company “BARON - Critical Weather Intelligence” on cooperation in the field of hydrometeorological activities. The cooperation aims to completely reform the hydrometeorological system of the state, which has not been updated since the 70s of the last century. We count on the assistance of the US State Department in advancing the process of agreeing the parameters of cooperation,” Arsen Avakov said.
According to him, about 13 large radars will appear in Ukraine, as well as several thousand special sensors that will allow the use of early, probable and faster forecasts of dangerous weather and natural phenomena to prevent and early response to possible emergencies and disasters.
“Eximbank” USA confirmed its readiness to provide financial support in the implementation of this project. The delegation of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine held talks with the bank on this project last week,” the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs noted.
He also noted that the Department of the Interior is ready to continue cooperation with the INL (Law Enforcement Division of the US Embassy in Ukraine).
“We have a good history of cooperation over these 6 years. The last major project is the Community Police Officer, which covers all regions of the state — about 30 thousand settlements, where 28 million citizens live,” said Arsen Avakov.
Separately, the parties discussed the disparity of pay of police officers.
According to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, one police officer who investigates crimes has 9 criminal cases. At the same time, every police officer risks being killed or injured in the performance of official duties.
“The remuneration of labor under their workload is disproportionate, especially in comparison with other law enforcement agencies. We need international support for this transition period,” Arsen Avakov emphasized.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, George Kent, in turn, thanked for the joint work and partnership, assuring support for the issues discussed, and expressed hope that in 2021 it will be possible to implement all the planned projects and plans.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
