Armenian President discusses nuclear safety with Japan’s NRA

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian has visited the Nuclear Regulation Authority and had a meeting with the agency’s chairman Toyoshi Fuketa during his trip to Japan.

During the meeting Sarkissian praised Japan for its knowledge and skills in nuclear energy management and maintenance of safety, and said: “The issue is a very delicate one for our country. Armenia, like Japan, has a nuclear power station, and the question remains the same – how to manage nuclear fuel and waste”.

Fuketa said they are constantly re-equipping the power stations and the equipment, conforming them to existing risks. He said they are ready to share knowledge and lessons they’ve learned as a result of the Fukushima disaster, namely the practice of raising the safety levels.

They also discussed protection from natural disasters, nuclear safety regulations and other issues concerning nuclear fuel and waste management. The Armenian President attached importance to cooperation and exchange of practice in preventing natural disasters and liquidation of consequences.

The sides reached agreements regarding mutual visits and exchange programs for personnel.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority is an administrative body of the Cabinet of Japan.

Sarkissian originally traveled to Tokyo for Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan