Belarus-Pakistan nuclear energy cooperation prospects discussed

MINSK, 21 September (BelTA) – Possibilities of bilateral partnership were discussed as Belarusian Energy Minister, the Belarusian chairman of the Belarus-Pakistan trade and economic cooperation commission Viktor Karankevich met with Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Muhammad Naeem, the Energy Ministry press service told BelTA.

The negotiations took place on the sidelines of the 65th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Viktor Karankevich informed Muhammad Naeem about the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. Belarus is the first site in Europe where the Russian nuclear industry corporation Rosatom has implemented a project, which provides for building a nuclear power plant with Generation III+ water-cooled reactors. The nuclear power plant design meets the highest safety standards. It has been confirmed by international expert missions, including International Atomic Energy Agency ones.

Viktor Karankevich said: “I believe that taking into account the realization of the Belarusian nuclear energy program we now have an opportunity for cooperation in this direction.”

Belarusian organizations have accumulated the necessary experience and competences for participating in nuclear power plant construction projects abroad. Hungary, Turkey, Egypt, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh are studying Belarus' nuclear power plant construction experience. These countries and Rosatom are interested in involving Belarusian specialists and construction workers in the implementation of nuclear power plant construction projects and in personnel training. Apart from that, Belarus is ready to share experience in the area of nuclear science achievements.

Viktor Karankevich reminded that Belarus-Pakistan cooperation advances in the production sector, agriculture, pharmaceutics, education, and tourism. Belarus and Pakistan have a potential for further enhancement of the partnership. Prospects of bilateral interaction will be discussed at the next session of the Belarus-Pakistan trade and economic cooperation commission, which is supposed to take place by the end of the year. The Belarusian side has already sent its proposals to the chairperson of the Pakistani part of the commission.