Kuwait boosts cooperation with IAEA

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) held a series of meetings with a number of officials and experts in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) aiming at boosting cooperation with the on peaceful uses of nuclear technology. KISR Director General Dr. Naji Al-Mutairi told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the KISR delegation had attended meetings of the signatories of the agreement of Arab States in Asia for Research, Development, and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (ARASIA) on the sidelines of the 56th annual session of the IAEA General Conference here. Dr. Al-Mutairi said the discussions covered the ARASIA 2013-2014 agenda, priority projects for the 12 member states such as projects related to water and food security, as well as overall cooperation between ARASIA team and the IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation. "Technical cooperation programs are the bases on which national capacities could be built and which guarantee transfer and development of peaceful-purpose nuclear technology to enable achievement of development goals," he said. "KISR cooperation with the Asia and Pacific technical cooperation team resulted in execution of several projects approved for periods up to 2013. The IAEA meanwhile appreciates KISR contributions which benefited experts from Kuwait and the region and its participation in organizing workshops and training courses in Kuwait," he added. The KISR chairman pointed out there was agreement on the need to sustain cooperation, and Al-Mutairi stressed the institute was ready to provide all that is needed for technical cooperation projects. The department, he pointed out, praised the five projects executed in Kuwait this year at a cost of euro 1 million, and reviewed ideas for projects which could be executed in 2014-2015, seven in total. The meeting discussed mechanisms to plan such projects as of next year. The KISR delegation and IAEA representatives also discussed research strategy in the field of peaceful nuclear technology and the need to consider the national requirements for construction of a nuclear research reactor. With focus on improving national capabilities in concerned bodies through proper training and orientation programs, KISR also expressed readiness to cooperate with state bodies in the areas of detection of radio-active matter and accidents, smuggling of radio-active matter, and detection technology and equipment available today.