Belarus, Norway, Finland, Sweden to sign memorandum of understanding on nuclear safety

Belarus, Norway, Finland and Sweden intend to sign a memorandum of understanding between the radiation and nuclear safety authorities. This matter was discussed by representatives of the radiation and nuclear safety authorities of Norway, Sweden and Finland who are on a visit in Belarus, BelTA learned from the Communications and Public Information Office of the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Department (Gosatomnadzor) of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry.

The key issues on the agenda of the visit were emergency preparedness and response to nuclear and radiation situations.

The specialists from Norway, Finland, and Sweden met with representatives of Gosatomnadzor. The Belarusian and foreign specialists shared experiences and discussed the issues of emergency preparedness and response to nuclear and radiation situations. As was noted at the meeting, building mutual trust mechanisms for the rapid exchange of information on nuclear and radiation safety is becoming the basis for Belarus’ interaction with the neighboring countries since the country has launched its nuclear energy program. The representatives of Norway, Finland and Sweden, who regularly take part in international activities, welcomed the progress made over the past year in the development of regulating infrastructure.

The parties discussed possible areas of cooperation between the regulatory bodies of Belarus, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. These include emergency preparedness and response in the area of nuclear and radiation safety, safety assessment, the establishment of an integrated control system, radioactive waste and spent fuel management, preparation and holding of the IRRS mission.

The representatives of Norway, Finland and Sweden suggested formalizing cooperation with Belarus and preparing a memorandum of understanding between the regulators. The document could include general provisions on cooperation and contain bilateral memoranda of understanding with Norway, Finland, Sweden on specific areas of cooperation as supplements.

During the visit, the experts also met with Belarus Deputy Emergencies Minister Gennady Lasuta. During the meeting, the participants got acquainted with the state system of prevention and response to emergency situations, including emergency response in the event of a nuclear or radiological accident.

The experts of Finland, Norway and Sweden visited the national center for control and response to emergencies. They showed interest in the Belarusian experience in the development of a radiation control and monitoring system in connection with the construction of the nuclear power plant. They also visited the site of construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant near Ostrovets and the NPP information center.