SA exercises right to nuclear research

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane File picture: Phill Magakoe

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane File picture: Phill Magakoe

Published Mar 26, 2014

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The Hague - SA was exercising its right to research, develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said on Wedneday.

“We also derive great benefit from nuclear applications in areas such as health, nutrition and agriculture,” she said.

“SA contributes to these applications through the supply of medical isotopes and is well-placed to produce these isotopes on a large scale using low enriched uranium fuel.”

Nkoana-Mashabane was speaking after concluding her working visit to the Netherlands, where she led a South African delegation to the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in The Hague.

She said South Africa remains committed to maintain effective nuclear security of all nuclear and other radioactive material consistent with its national and international obligations.

“We welcome the progress achieved to strengthen nuclear security at national levels, and through the relevant multilateral organisations, especially the International Atomic Energy Agency,' she said.

The objective of the summit was to review progress achieved since the NSS process started in 2010 and to contribute to the strengthening of nuclear security through stronger national measures and improved international co-operation.

Sapa

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