Kazakhstan, Astana, Dec. 1 / Trend K. Konyrova/
U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the Kazakh Ministry of Industry and New Technology (MINT) will promote cooperation in nuclear safeguards and security, U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan reported on Thursday.
"U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman and Kazakhstan's Vice Minister of MINT Bakhytzhan Dzhaksaliyev signed the arrangement to expand bilateral cooperation in key nonproliferation areas," the report said.
The arrangement will provide a framework for expanded technical cooperation in nuclear material safeguards and security, containment and surveillance of nuclear materials, nuclear safety and waste management, nuclear forensics, and information management.
"Implementing Arrangement is an important next step in our cooperation with Kazakhstan that advances our joint interest in ensuring the highest possible standards for nuclear material safeguards and security," U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman said.
The United States and Kazakhstan have a long and productive history of collaboration on nuclear safeguards and security dating back to 1993.
NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science in the nation's national security enterprise. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability, and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; reduces the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.
Edited by E. Kosolapova