The CEO of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC), Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Issa, has stressed Saudi Arabia's keenness to achieve nuclear security worldwide during the opening of the nuclear security training centre of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The IAEA announced today the opening its centre in Seibersdorf, Austria to build expertise in combating nuclear terrorism. Al-Issa as well as representatives and ambassadors from 60 countries attended the opening.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took the initiative to propose and fund the establishment of the International Centre for Nuclear Security in Austria with a generous donation of $10 million. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to enhance international nuclear security and combat nuclear terrorism.
During the centre's opening ceremony, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed his gratitude to all the countries, including Saudi Arabia, that contributed to the centre's establishment. The centre complements the IAEA's existing capabilities and offers advanced training programs in the areas of physical protection of nuclear and radioactive materials, as well as detection and response to illegal activities involving nuclear material.
In addition to these programs, the centre also focuses on computer security, nuclear cybersecurity, and their implications for nuclear safety.
During the opening ceremony, Al-Issa, a representative from Saudi Arabia, highlighted the Kingdom's commitment to adhering to regulatory standards and ensuring national and global nuclear security. He also emphasized Saudi Arabia's participation in previous nuclear security summits and ministerial conferences.
The foundation stone of the centre was laid in July 2020 and its construction was completed in the first quarter of 2023, under the close supervision of Saudi officials and NRRC engineers. In 2024, the centre plans to offer over 50 training courses to more than 1,000 participants from all over the world. It also aims to provide consulting services to IAEA member states and contribute to the development of international standards and guidelines for nuclear security.
The establishment of this centre was prompted by the need to address international challenges in the field of nuclear security and the fight against nuclear terrorism. Its primary objective is to enhance the IAEA's capabilities and impartiality in this sensitive and critical area.
Source: Saudi Press Agency