25
Jun 2008
The Netherlands Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Dr. Ter Horst, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Facilitation of Vital Civil Cross Border Transport in the presence of NATO Secretary General on 25 June 2008.
Shortly afterwards, on 26 June 2008, Mr. Tarik Sadovic, the Bosnia-Herzegovinian Minister for Security also signed the MoU in the presence of Assistant Secretary General for Operations, bringing the total number of signatories to 19.
This Memorandum greatly improves speed and efficiency in the provision of international humanitarian assistance following terrorist attacks, natural and man-made disasters and was developed by the Senior Civil Emergency Planning Committee (SCEPC). Since then, the MoU has been open for signature to all NATO Allies and Partners.
At present, the MoU has already entered into force for the following nations: Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia , Turkey and the U.K. Other nations have expressed their willingness to sign it.
The MoU marks a considerable achievement in improving international response to crises and emergencies. It also contributes to reducing the loss of lives.
