YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. The 17th session of the Commission of CIS member states on the use of Nuclear Energy for peaceful purposes has been kicked off in Yerevan, reports “Armenpress”.

Representatives of CIS states are discussing issues related to deepening the cooperation on effective use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Representatives from Armenia, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are taking part in the session. Armenian Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources Ashot Manukyan addressed a welcoming speech to the participants. On behalf of the Armenian Government the Minister expressed gratitude to session participants and wished them a productive work.

“The Commission of the CIS member states on the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is a great opportunity for us to organize the exchange of professional information at the right time, as well as to improve the skills of our employees. During the period following the previous session the Armenian government signed an information exchange agreement on the transportation of radioactive sources between the CIS member states. Currently the agreement is at the ratification stage. This year we have also signed Nuclear and Radiation Safety Concept of the CIS member states”, the Minister said.

He added that the Russian and Armenian Governments have signed an information exchange agreement on nuclear and radiation safety in early October, 2015. “The agreement deepens the cooperation between “Rosatom” and Armenian companies. In February, 2016 cooperation agreement on peaceful use of nuclear energy was signed between Armenia and Belarus”, Ashot Manukyan said.

“Rosatom” Deputy Chief Executive Officer on International Affairs Nikolai Spassky thanked the Armenian Governmet for organizing the Commission’s regular session in Yerevan. “The participation of the Armenian Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources in this session underlines the fact that our countries put an emphasis on nuclear energy cooperation. We have a number of serious issues to discuss at the session. Our Commission can become the most successful integration platform among the bodies created in recent years within CIS. This is a real, serious organism”, he said.

A number of issues related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy will be discussed at the session.

It is expected to sign a protocol based on the session results. The next session is planned to be held in Tajikistan.