Kazakhstan, US ink joint statement on nuclear safety cooperation PHOTO

The Atomic Energy Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) signed a Joint Statement on nuclear safety cooperation on the sidelines of the 69th session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna.

The document outlines key steps in joint efforts to enhance nuclear security, including the successful placement of highly enriched spent fuel from Kazakhstan’s IVG.1M research reactor into a specially designed Silo-type storage facility. Under the agreement, the spent nuclear fuel will remain securely stored until both sides develop a joint solution for its final disposal, Caliber.Az reports via the Kazakh agency. 

The statement also reaffirms the parties’ intention to continue cooperation in minimizing the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) and advancing the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.

“Kazakhstan consistently fulfills its international obligations in the field of nuclear security. The signing of this statement confirms our commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the strengthening of the global non-proliferation regime,” said Almassadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency.

Representatives of the NNSA emphasised the importance Washington places on cooperation with Astana, noting that the United States intends to continue joint projects aimed at enhancing nuclear security and ensuring the safe management of nuclear materials.

Such joint statements have become a well-established tradition and were previously signed in 2016, 2019, 2020, and 2023.

By Sabina Mammadli