VIENNA: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, met with the Deputy Director General and Head of the Nuclear Safety and Security Department at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Lydie Evrard, on Tuesday.
GCC’s desire to strengthen cooperation
During the meeting, Al Budaiwi reiterated the GCC’s desire to strengthen cooperation with the IAEA, particularly in nuclear safety and security, nuclear facility safety, and the Incident and significant role of the Emergency Centre in dealing with nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies.
Al Budaiwi also emphasized the importance of broadening relations to support nuclear safety and security and protecting society and the environment from the effects of hazardous radiation.
The officials also addressed the means to benefit from IAEA’s programs, practices, collaborative training courses, capacity building, and the potential for strengthening cooperation between the GCC Emergency Management Centre and the IAEA.
Al Budaiwi also met with Massimo Aparo, the IAEA’s deputy director general and head of the Department of Safeguards.
Al Budaiwi confirmed the GCC’s desire to expand its cooperation with the IAEA and discussed with Aparo the ways in which the GCC countries may be supported in their search for peaceful nuclear technology.
The two officials also spoke about Middle Eastern nuclear energy programs and ways the GCC countries might take advantage of the IAEA’s extensive worldwide network for nuclear security and safety.
