Doha: The State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to enhance cooperation in nuclear safety and radiation protection. This agreement underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen ties and exchange expertise in these crucial areas.
According to Qatar News Agency, the MoU was signed on behalf of Qatar by HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Engineer Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, and on behalf of Saudi Arabia by CEO of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission Dr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Issa. The signing ceremony was followed by a meeting between HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie and Dr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Issa, where they discussed enhancing technical cooperation and exchanging expertise.
The agreement, signed between Qatar's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Saudi Arabia's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, aims to regulate and develop cooperation in nuclear safety and radiation protection, in line with existing regulations and laws in both countries. Engineer Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud highlighted the MoU as a significant step in expanding technical and scientific collaboration and implementing joint programs that benefit both nations.
The MoU is expected to enhance the exchange of information, research, and studies, as well as develop specialists' capabilities. It also supports coordination in radiation monitoring, laboratory analysis, and nuclear emergency preparedness, ensuring the safe use of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes. The agreement is seen as a way to reinforce the Qatari-Saudi partnership in environmental and technical fields.
Key areas of cooperation include nuclear security and safety, radiation protection, monitoring nuclear facilities, and preparedness for nuclear emergencies. The agreement also covers radiological laboratory collaboration, safe transport of radioactive sources, and the exchange of information and expertise. Additionally, it provides for organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops.
The memorandum includes exchanging specialists through visits and training programs, providing technical assistance, forming joint working groups, and establishing a joint committee to monitor cooperation programs' implementation.