Belarus, Turkey to cooperate in peaceful use of nuclear energy

Power engineers of Belarus and Turkey have prepared a draft intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, BelTA learned from Lilia Dulinets, head of the International Cooperation Department of the Nuclear Energy Department of the Belarusian Energy Ministry.

“The project envisages that the sides will develop scientific, technical and economic cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy taking into account their national nuclear energy development programs in compliance with their legislations and international obligations,” she said. The parties will cooperate in various areas, including in the choice of sites, planning, construction, operation, modernization, testing and technical maintenance of nuclear power plants and research reactors. They will also cooperate in the application of radiation technologies and construction of corresponding facilities, exploration of uranium deposits, training of specialists in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Belarus and Turkey can exchange scientific and technical information and personnel, hold scientific seminars and symposiums. They might also establish joint working groups to implement projects and conduct scientific research, conclude license agreements and assign patents.

On 15 July the Belarusian Energy Ministry hosted consultations with the Turkish delegation regarding the preparation of the intergovernmental agreement. On Belarus’ behalf partaking in the meeting were representatives of the United Energy and Nuclear Research Institute Sosny, the Foreign Ministry, the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department, the Belarusian NPP and the Nuclear Energy Department. The Turkish delegation comprised specialists of the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority and the Embassy of Turkey in Belarus.

On 16 July Turkish specialists visit the Belarusian NPP construction site and the NPP Information Center in Ostrovets.