Qatar, Saudi Arabia sign memorandum of understanding on nuclear safety cooperation
Doha, Aug. 7 (SANA)Qatar and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in the fields of nuclear safety and radiation protection.The Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported that the agreement, signed between Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, establishes a framework for cooperation in nuclear safety and radiation protection in accordance with the laws and regulations of both countries.Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, undersecretary of Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, said the agreement would expand technical and scientific cooperation between the two countries and facilitate the exchange of expertise in nuclear safety and radiation protection.The MoU covers nuclear and radiological safety and security, oversight of nuclear facilities and practices, and preparedness and response to cross-border emergencies. It also includes cooperation in laboratories and radiological analysis, as well as the exchange of information and research and the organization of scientific events.Under the agreement, the two sides will exchange specialists through visits and training programs, provide technical assistance, and establish joint working groups to implement agreed projects. A joint committee will develop cooperation programs and oversee their implementation.The agreement follows a July 23 deal between Saudi Arabia and the United States on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.F.J./M.F.