Experts from seven Arab countries on Saturday opened a meeting to discuss ways of coordinating their activities in the pursuit of peaceful nuclear technology, the dpa reported.
The delegates represent Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq. They are members of the Cooperative Agreement for Arab states in Asia for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (ARASIA).
The two-day meeting is expected to discuss "mechanisms for coordination among various nuclear projects to be carried out by Arab countries for peaceful purposes with direct support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)" a statement said.
Opening the meeting, the head of the Jordanian Nuclear Energy Authority Khalid Touqan said that the conference attendees sought "clear and effective solutions" in the spheres of electricity generation, water desalination and the mining industry with the help of nuclear technology.
In the light of Iran's adamant drive to possess nuclear technology, several Arab states have recently decided to develop their own nuclear establishments to be used mainly in generating electricity in the light of soaring oil prices.