Saudi Arabia is highly interested in nuclear security and is keen to make it one of the main components of its national project’s infrastructure for the peaceful uses of atomic energy, said the Kingdom’s ambassador to Austria.
Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan, permanent representative to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna, pointed to the establishment of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC).
He said it has begun its work and responsibilities in an independent and professional manner in the regulatory aspects related to nuclear security, safety, and guarantees.
He stressed the Kingdom’s support for the international resolutions issued in this regard, as well as human and environmental protection and nuclear security, in accordance with international frameworks and standards.
Saudi Arabia has coordinated with the NRRC to organize a series of workshops and seminars on developing and building human capacities related to the fields of nuclear security.
This came in a speech delivered on Monday by head of the Saudi delegation to the International Conference on Nuclear Security, currently held in Vienna, Austria.
Bin Sultan pointed out that his country has consistently supported international resolutions on nuclear security, including Security Council Resolution 1540.
It has also ratified the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its amendment and has supported the Code of Conduct for the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources.
He further noted that the Kingdom is part of the International Convention for the Suppression of Nuclear Terrorism.
“The Kingdom stresses the importance of giving this aspect more international attention, given the tensions in the Middle East region and the spread of a number of militias and terrorist groups.”
Saudi Arabia has also urged the international community to boost all measures aimed at combating nuclear terrorism.
Bin Sultan pointed out that his country fights terrorism in general, and nuclear terrorism in particular.
“The Kingdom has donated $10 million to establish a specialized center for combating nuclear terrorism in cooperation and under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” he noted, adding that its construction will begin soon.
