Cambodian and Russian experts yesterday concluded discussions on the possibility of constructing and establishing a Nuclear Science and Technology Centre in the Kingdom.
The discussion, which was held in Siem Reap province over two days, took place at the 3rd meeting of a Cambodia-Russia joint working group on cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
The meeting was chaired by Sok Kean, an undersecretary of state at the Environment Ministry, and Russian Ambassador Dmitry Tsvetkov.
Ministry spokesman Neth Pheaktra yesterday said the group reviewed a draft agreement on cooperation for the construction of a nuclear science and technology centre in Cambodia.
He added that they also discussed a draft agreement on the establishment of a information centre on atomic energy.
“During the discussion, Russian experts shared experiences and interesting lessons we could benefit from after establishing a nuclear science and technology centre,” Mr Pheaktra said.
“Experts from both countries have examined and looked into details of the agreement. They agreed on some points of the agreement, and decided to leave some remaining issues for later discussion,” he added.
Mr Pheaktra noted that both sides will now seek approval from the leaders of their countries.
Plans to establish a Nuclear Science and Technology Centre in Cambodia were first floated in 2015. The two countries later signed a series of memoranda of understanding to solidify their cooperation.
Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear firm, will assist in the development of the centre under the agreement.
Russia will provide expertise, research and training under the terms of the agreement, which was signed during Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Phnom Penh in 2015.
Tin Ponlok, secretary-general of the National Council for Sustainable Development, said the nuclear science and technology centre would be based at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia on Russian Boulevard.
“We hope the centre will develop our knowledge and attract students to understand and learn more about nuclear science,” he said.
Cambodia and Russia first established diplomatic links in 1956. In 2018, trade between Russia and Cambodia amounted to $202.4 million.
