Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune reaffirmed the commitment while virtually addressing the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) 65th General Conference held in Vienna, Austria, during September 20-24. VIENTIANE TIMES
The Lao government has reiterated its commitment to the global common objective of peaceful use of nuclear technologies at an international conference.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune reaffirmed the commitment while virtually addressing the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) 65th General Conference held in Vienna, Austria, during September 20-24.
Since Laos joined the IAEA in 2011, the country has received valuable technical assistance from the organisation and its member states in different areas.
Phoxay reiterated Laos’ commitment for peaceful use of such technologies as laid out in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM).
“I would like to reiterate our commitment to the NPT and related instruments, as well as to strengthening cooperation with the IAEA and ASEANTOM in continuing our efforts on implementing international obligations and reaching our common objectives on peaceful use of nuclear technologies in a safe and secured manner,” he said.
Through the implementation of the Country Programme Framework (CPF), with the first phase during 2014-2018 and second phase during 2020-2025, the assistance provided by others has strengthened technical capabilities for the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in many areas.
These areas included food security, nutrition, and environmental management competencies, and supported the development of national infrastructure for radiation safety, including laboratory equipment.
More importantly, the projects for the development and application of radiology and nuclear medicine have further improved diagnostic and treatment capacities of the health sector.
Laos, as a least developed country, has limited expertise in nuclear and radiation safety and security. But with the continued support from the IAEA, Laos was able to adopt the Law on Radiation Protection and Safety in 2019, and this lays down the standard for radiation protection and safety, including measures to prevent and mitigate the risk and danger to lives and environment.
In addition, the Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP) adopted recently will contribute to Laos fulfilling its obligations under the NPT and other nuclear safety, security and safeguard regimes.
In this connection, Laos is in the final process of joining the Amendment to the SQP (Small Quantities Protocol) and the Amendment to the CPPNM (Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material).
Phoxay said: “We are expected to conclude the process before the 10th NPT Review Conference next year.”
The General Conference adopted resolutions on strengthening the agency’s work in nuclear science, technology and applications, safety and security, and safeguards.
The IAEA’s General Conference is held annually to review the implementation of relevant international obligations and the organisation’s work.
Established in 1957, the IAEA comprises 173 member countries.
VIENTIANE TIMES/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
