KUWAIT: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah attended and patronized yesterday the "Shamel 5" firefighting drill organized by Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) in Arifjan. The drill was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh, officials from state institutes, National Assembly and the interior and defense ministries, in addition to representatives from regional and international organizations dealing with crises and catastrophes.

KFSD Director General Lieutenant General Khaled Al-Mekrad delivered a speech during the event. The attendees were briefed about the drill's objectives and goals aimed at boosting coordination amongst different bodies of the state during crises and natural disasters. Speaking in a press release, Sheikh Jaber affirmed that the regularity of such drills will develop the skills of rescue teams and enable them to better handle situations of urgency.

He stressed that it was important to coordinate efforts amongst state bodies responsible for addressing emergencies, indicating that such a fact would lead to the protection of lives and a decrease in property damages. HH the prime minister took the opportunity to thank all those who participated in the rescue efforts during the heavy rains and floods, which hit the country in November last year. - KUNA