The training activity provided for by the Memorandum of Understanding between the Crisis Unit of the Italian Ministry, of Foreign Affairs International Cooperation and Regional Health Emergency Agency ARES 118 of Lazio, signed at technical level on 2 February 2026, begins today. The Protocol aims to provide psychological support to the citizens and their families involved in kidnappings, to the Crisis Unit staff and the consular diplomatic offices called to manage these emergencies.
The training activity dedicated to the Crisis Unit personnel, organised by ARES 118, aims to strengthen the psychological preparation of frontline assistance providers in the event of international crises. This day marks the beginning of a structured and continuous collaboration between the two administrations.
The effectiveness of this collaboration has allowed the ARES 118 psychologists – exceptionally – to provide assistance to the personnel of the Italian Embassies in the Persian Gulf area who, on the occasion of the recent war between the United States and Iran, found themselves operating in a particularly complex and delicate context.
With a view to the mutual exchange of expertise, the Protocol stipulates that the Crisis Unit shall also provide training days for ARES 118 personnel. These activities will focus on the management of international emergencies by the Crisis Unit and the Italian Foreign Ministry’s operational procedures.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation thus confirms its commitment to developing increasingly effective instruments for the protection of citizens and the support of operators involved in international crisis management activities.
