“There is no time frame for [the development of] a nuclear reactor,” Kean said. “We still have to study the feasibility of this, like looking at the financing, human resources, technology, public support, but especially human resources.”

Instead, Cambodia is focusing on ways to improve the use of nuclear technology in the fields of medicine, agriculture and construction, he added.

Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear firm, will assist in the development of the information centre. There are also discussions about providing scholarships to Cambodian students who want to study engineering, physics and other hard sciences in Russia, Kean said.

Meanwhile, Russian representatives touted their country’s role in Cambodia’s nuclear ambitions as part of a long history of support. “The USSR and the Russian Federation as its legal successor have always taken an active part in the development of Cambodia,” said Karina Orus-ool, at-taché at the Russian Embassy in Phnom Penh.

“Now, Russia will assist Cambodia to develop nuclear energy through sharing our experience and knowledge, and training Cambodian personnel.”