VIENNA, Sept 15 (KUNA) -- Kuwait and the IAEA signed an agreement on Monday, as part of the fourth plan for technical cooperation with the IAEA for the years 2026-2035.
The signing was made by Director General of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), Dr. Faisal Al-Humaidan, and the Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Head of the Technical Cooperation Department, Hua Liu, during a ceremony in Vienna.
The plan is the fourth framework plan for technical cooperation with the IAEA for the years 2026-2035.
Following the signing ceremony, Al-Humaidan affirmed to KUNA on the strength of the partnership between the State of Kuwait and the IAEA, which spans more than a decade of fruitful cooperation in the areas of sustainable development.
Al-Humaidan added that the agreement will enable Kuwait to benefit from the latest precise and effective nuclear applications in addressing challenges of food, water, health, and environmental security, stressing that the national framework will focus on capacity building, knowledge transfer, and empowering national competencies.
Al-Humaidan, who is participating in the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, said that Kuwait and the IAEA have officially announced the launch of a new strategic cooperation for the next 10 years through the signing of the National Program Framework Agreement.
He explained that this historic agreement embodies Kuwait's unwavering commitment to harnessing the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology to support its national priorities, diversify the economy, and enhance the well-being of citizens and residents, in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Al-Humaidan added that the new framework outlines a comprehensive strategy for cooperation with the IAEA in seven key areas, including developing legal and regulatory frameworks; enhancing nuclear and radiation safety; supporting food security through crop development and combating animal diseases; improving healthcare through nuclear medicine and radiotherapy; managing water and environmental resources using nuclear technologies; and innovation in the fields of energy and industry and preserving cultural heritage.
Al-Humaidan expressed pride in the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) granting of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) the status of a "Cooperating Center" for marine and coastal pollution assessment since 2019, considering this to enhance Kuwait's position as a potential regional center of excellence in the fields of environmental monitoring and cancer patient care. (end) amq.mb