Countries that use nuclear science and technology need a robust and independent regulator as well as appropriate nuclear legislation, said IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano in his keynote address at the Conference on National Strategy for the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy in Tunis on Monday.
“I welcome the progress being made by Tunisia in this respect,” he added, referring to the comprehensive Nuclear Law that is under preparation in the country.
Mr Amano commended Tunisia for sharing its expertise in the nuclear field, including in cancer treatment, with other countries in Francophone Africa, describing this as an excellent example of South-South cooperation.
Access to radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients is high in Tunisia, but in some parts of Africa there are no radiotherapy services at all, he said.
“Tunisia very generously shares its expertise in the nuclear field with other countries in Francophone Africa, for example by providing training and hosting technical workshops in cancer control and radiation protection,” said Mr Amano.
Nuclear technology supports development
The IAEA Director General highlighted other areas in which the Agency makes nuclear science and technology available to support developing countries, including electricity generation, improving human and animal health and increasing food production.
“The IAEA has been contributing effectively to development for nearly 60 years. We help countries to achieve their development goals through the use of relevant nuclear technology,” he said.
It was up to each individual country to decide whether or not to add nuclear power to its energy mix. But if countries opted to use nuclear power, the IAEA offered comprehensive support to enable them to use it safely, securely and sustainably, Mr Amano said.
He reiterated the importance of total commitment to the ‘safety first’ principle when using nuclear energy, adding: “Complacency in the area of nuclear safety must be avoided at all costs.”
During his visit to Tunisia, Mr Amano met Chiheb Bouden, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Minister for Foreign Affairs Khemaies Jhinaoui and Minister of Energy and Mines Mongi Marzouk.