Nis Mayor Milos Simonovic and Sofia Deputy Mayor Ivan Georgiev Sotirov signed Tuesday a protocol on cooperation in emergency situations between the biggest city in southern Serbia and the Bulgarian capital.

"Nis is becoming a regional center for emergency situation response, and by the end of the month it will sign another protocol on cooperation in this field with Vienna," Simonovic said.

The protocol on cooperation in emergency situations was signed in line with the Security Strategy of Serbia's third biggest city. The strategy also envisages the formation of a regional emergency situations center. This summer's events have proven that in emergency situations, solidarity and partnership are key.

Our cooperation also allows us to apply for EU funding together, Sotirov said. In addition to emergency response, the two cities will work together to build better communication networks, procure the latest equipment and consolidate resources.