Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held discussions regarding nuclear, radiation, and environmental safety issues during the construction and subsequent operation of nuclear power plants. As a result of these negotiations, both countries agreed on further joint interaction and the development of a roadmap.
Uzbekistan, Tashkent – AN Podrobno.uz.
The meeting took place at the 'Uzatom' Agency. The delegation from Kazakhstan was headed by Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mansur Oshurbayev. Representatives from relevant departments and organizations of both republics participated in the discussion.
Currently, both countries are implementing projects to build their first NPPs. The Uzbek side presented detailed information on the progress of design, survey, and preparatory work, as well as methods for ensuring nuclear and radiation safety and conducting environmental monitoring.
Representatives from the ministries of energy, ecology, and emergency situations of Uzbekistan provided necessary clarifications to the Kazakh side regarding the technical and environmental aspects of the project.
The Director of 'Uzatom', Azim Akhmedkhadzhayev, emphasized that safety is the main priority of Uzbekistan's national nuclear program. He noted that open exchange of views with neighboring states, particularly Kazakhstan, contributes to strengthening mutual trust and allows for consideration of the regional context at all stages of project implementation.
Furthermore, the parties discussed issues related to training qualified personnel for the atomic industry. 'Uzatom' presented a concept for creating a specialized regional center intended for training and practical preparation of specialists from Central Asian countries, as well as for expert support in the development of nuclear infrastructure and experience exchange.
Within the framework of this center, the study of issues related to developing nuclear and radiation safety culture, improving the regulatory and legal framework, and implementing digital educational platforms is also planned.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan confirmed their readiness to maintain regular expert dialogue and develop cooperation in the field of safe utilization of peaceful nuclear energy. It should be noted that a document regulating actions in case of a radiation accident at an NPP was previously approved in Uzbekistan, which describes the procedure for introducing emergency modes, alerting services, and providing assistance in the event of an emergency.