Cambodia: Nuclear aid from Moscow takes shape

Cambodia: Nuclear aid from Moscow takes shape

Russia has announced a wide range of measures to help establish an
information center in Phnom Penh as part of Cambodia's development of
nuclear energy.

The two countries agreed to set up the center during Prime Minister Hun
Sen's visit to Russia at the Russian-Asean summit last year.

At that time, the prime minister said Cambodia had no ambitions to use
nuclear energy but the kingdom now plans to develop nuclear technology for
peaceful purposes.

Tin Ponlok, secretary-general of the National Council for Sustainable
Development, said yesterday the nuclear information center would be based at
the Institute of Technology of Cambodia on Russian Boulevard.

He said Russia would send staff to provide technological assistance, as well
as helping to develop the center's software system and training courses for
Cambodian officials.

It would also fund three scholarships, one master's degree and two
bachelor's degrees, for Cambodian students in the field of nuclear physics.

"This is the first time that Russia has granted this kind of assistance for
Cambodian students," said Mr. Ponlok. "At this stage we hope the center will
develop our knowledge and attract students to understand and learn more
about nuclear science."

A Russian technical working group will be in Cambodia this week to discuss
and draft an intergovernmental agreement related to nuclear power
development.

"We will draft an agreement for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear
energy," said Mr. Ponlok.

Foreign Ministry secretary of state Ouch Borith said last month that
Cambodia and Russia would sign an agreement on the peaceful use of atomic
energy later this year in Moscow.

Mr. Borith said Cambodia and Russia would sign seven different agreements
this year, including one on how to use atomic energy for peaceful purposes.

"Cambodia and Russia will be ready to sign the agreements during the 10th
session of the Cambodia-Russia intergovernmental commission, which will take
place in Moscow in July or August," he said.

Cambodia and Russia first established diplomatic links in 1956. The volume
of bilateral trade between the two countries almost doubled in the 12 years
between 2002 and 2014 and is still on the rise.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Link to Original Article:
http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/37692/nuclear-aid-from-moscow-takes-shape/

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com