The Ministry of the Interior National Fire Agency and the French Office in Taipei organized the 2026 Seminar on International Maritime Firefighting Response Jan. 19 in Kaohsiung City, underscoring bilateral commitment to advancing transnational cooperation in disaster prevention and recue.
From the French side, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ civil defense and risk management representatives in Asia and members of the French Agency for Development Cooperation were present and on the Taiwan side, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ocean Affairs Council Coast Guard Administration and the Taiwan International Ports Corporation took part.
Following the seminar, advanced training for marine vessel fire and a drill in port area disaster rescue were undertaken, the MOI reported. It added that the seminar, training and drill deepened Taiwan-France substantive exchange and cooperation in marine vessel fire, rescue and disaster response.
Deputy Minister of the Interior Ma Shih-yuan noted that marine security faces complex challenges including marine chemical disasters, port fires and vessel security. He said that Taiwan and France started to collaborate on maritime firefighting emergency training in May 2025.
The MOI is committed to continued integration of resources with international partners to strengthen professional training and drills to forge a safer, more resilient system. (POC-E)