Russia, South Africa sign nuclear security agreement
VIENNA. Sept 18 (Interfax) - The Russian Federal Service for Ecological, Technological and Nuclear Supervision and the South African National Nuclear Regulator have signed an agreement to ensure nuclear and radiation security in peaceful uses of atomic energy.
The document was signed by Federal Service head Nikolai Kutyin and NNR Chief Executive Officer Boyce Mkhize.
"This is a framework document, which lays down a legal foundation for bilateral efforts in the upgrading of national nuclear and radiation security and specifies forms and areas of interaction between Russian and South African nuclear regulators," Kutyin said.
South Africa plans to build three nuclear power plants before 2030; there are also nuclear fuel enrichment plans, he said.
In the words of Mkhize, South Africa has big plans for the atomic energy industry and it can use the expertise of the Russian nuclear regulator.
The agreement pledges the joint development of normative legal acts with regard to nuclear and radiation security, supervision, safe management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel and physical security of nuclear units.
Also, the sides will share experience of preparedness for and reaction to accidents.
