IAEA to Bolster Cooperation with Việt Nam in Nuclear Safety and Security
Ha Noi, The Gulf Observer: In a significant development aimed at reinforcing nuclear safety and security measures, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing cooperation with Việt Nam. Deputy Director General of the IAEA, Hua Liu, made this announcement during his official visit to Việt Nam on March 21.
During discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang, Hua Liu underscored the agency’s dedication to extending support to Việt Nam across various domains, including technical assistance, personnel training, infrastructure development, and the refinement of regulations and standards to ensure nuclear safety and security.
Highlighting the fruitful nature of his meetings with representatives from key ministries including Science and Technology, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Health, Hua Liu emphasized the pivotal role Việt Nam plays in sub-regional cooperation, particularly in fostering collaborative frameworks with neighboring Laos and Cambodia in the application of nuclear science and technology in economic-technological sectors.
Moreover, the IAEA Deputy Director General pledged continued assistance to Việt Nam in optimizing nuclear technology for smart agriculture initiatives, underscoring the agency’s commitment to supporting sustainable development efforts.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang expressed gratitude towards the IAEA for its steadfast support to Việt Nam over the years through bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms. Quang highlighted the significant assistance received from the agency in implementing national projects, with a total funding of nearly EUR 3 million (US$3.26 million) during the period of 2018-2023 alone.
Commending Hua Liu’s efforts in expediting the signing of the cooperation framework program between Việt Nam and the IAEA for the period of 2022-2027, as well as his support in amending the Law on Atomic Energy, Quang emphasized the importance of further collaboration with the IAEA, particularly in policy-making and personnel training in the field of atomic energy.
Việt Nam reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its obligations and playing a responsible role in international treaties related to nuclear safety and security, including measures against illegal trafficking and transportation of radioactive substances and nuclear materials, and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Furthermore, Việt Nam reiterated its support for the IAEA’s pivotal role in establishing standards and frameworks for nuclear safety and security, particularly in the context of emerging nuclear technologies.
The discussions between the IAEA and Việt Nam signify a mutual dedication to strengthening cooperation in nuclear safety and security, reflecting both parties’ commitment to advancing responsible nuclear practices and contributing to global efforts towards sustainable development.
