Peaceful Uses Of Nuclear Technology For Socio-Economic Development - Malaysian Minister

PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has enjoyed a longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership with the agency in the application of peaceful uses of nuclear technology for socio-economic development. Minister in the Malaysian Prime Minister's Department Nancy Shukri said IAEA played a vital role in promotion of peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in helping member states closer to achieving developmental goals and priorities. "As a member of IAEA since 1969, Malaysia is intensifying its role and contribution to global peace, security and development from being a recipient country to sharing its expertise and experiences with other countries," she said while attending the 60th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria. As IAEA celebrated its 60th anniversary, Nancy commended that many accomplishments made by the agency under the leadership of the Director-General of the IAEA, Yukiya Amano and his office. "These positive achievements, such as the development of nuclear safety standards, nuclear security guidance and strengthening safeguard implementation, as well as the promotion of technology transfer, deserve our full recognition. We continue to pledge our full support," she said. Meanwhile, Nancy said Malaysia was pleased with the commencing of Malaysia-IAEA collaboration on the integration of the establishment of Nuclear Security Detection Laboratory and Physical Protection Laboratory under Malaysia's National Nuclear Security Support Centre (NSSC). She said such collaboration would enhance the role of Malaysia's NSSC in supporting and strengthening capacity building programmes for nuclear security at national and regional levels. "The implementation of the Malaysia-IAEA Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP) has been effective since 2007. This effective implementation of Malaysia-IAEA INSSP has enabled Malaysia's NSCC, for the first time, to play an independent role to host the IAEA Regional Training 'Train the Trainers for Front Line Officer' beginning 2017," she said. As a State Party to the Treaty to the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Nancy said Malaysia believed that nuclear security should be addressed in a larger context of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation as it contributes to a broader goal of international peace and security. She said the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit this year reflects the importance of strengthening nuclear security and our pursuits to achieve a nuclear weapon-free world. "The entry into force of the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material in May this year and the upcoming IAEA International Conference on Nuclear Security on 5 December will further reaffirms our commitment in strengthening nuclear security. We look forward to a constructive participation in this conference," she said. --BERNAMA