FANR discusses nuclear non-proliferation

ABU DHABI: Nine countries and United Nations Representatives are convening to debate the status of the nuclear export control system and its future in a four-day workshop hosted by the UAE’S Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).

Entitled “The 2018 Forum on Nuclear Export control practices ”, it brings together national and international experts to share knowledge and expertise in regard to nuclear export controls. During the forum, experts will present their country experiences and methodologies to evaluate their relevant nuclear export control systems, highlighting good practices as well as discussing cooperation and opportunities to strengthen the system and counter illicit trade.

Delivering a keynote speech, FANR’S Deputy Director-general for Operations Raoul Awad stressed: “As part of its commitments to achieve the highest standards of nuclear non-proliferation, the UAE has committed to implement a strengthened nuclear export control system and a comprehensive and transparent safeguards system to respond effectively and eliminate in advance any intervention to the diversion of nuclear material or its illicit traficking.

“The forum this year represents a platform that gathers international experts to discuss the current and future of nuclear export controls as well as share knowledge to hammer out recommendations aimed at strengthening measures to further enhance existing practices.”

The UAE is the irst country globally in three decades to build four nuclear reactors. The UAE Energy Programme is built around the six commitments as stated in the Policy of the UAE on the Evaluations and Potential Development of Peaceful Nuclear adopted including operational transparency, highest standards of non-proliferation, highest standards of safety and security and sustainability.

The UAE’S nuclear law calls on FANR to regulate the nation’s nuclear sector for peaceful purposes, and as part of its efforts to implement that mandate, FANR issued Regulation 09 on the Export and Import Control of Nuclear Material, Nuclear Related Items and Nuclear Related Dual-use Items.

Nuclear export control is an essential part of nuclear non-proliferation and any nuclear programme. As part of its commitment to achieve the highest standards of non-proliferation, the UAE is applying a strict export control regime to block and respond effectively to illicit trade of nuclear material or equipment. To this end, the UAE has gone a long way in developing and implementing its regulatory infrastructure consistent with its international obligations and national policy objectives.