Qatar plans to host conference on nuclear energy

Abu Dhabi: Qatar will host a two-day conference on nuclear energy in November which will be attended by representatives from the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), the conference organisers said on their website.

The Mena Nuclear Energy Forum will be held in Doha on November 10 and November 11. Speakers will include Qatar's Deputy Premier and Minister Of Energy and Industry Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Secretary-General of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) Abdul Rahman Al Attiyah, Egypt's minister of electricity and energy Hassan Younes, Director in the Nuclear Power Division of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Akira Omoto and Seth Grae, president and chief executive officer of Thorium Power.

"The objective of the forum will be served through the bringing together and exchange of plans and experiences by Mena nuclear energy authorities and the wider global nuclear community," said the organisers.

The IAEA last year signed a "practical co-operation arrangement" with Qatar aimed at assisting the Middle East country to develop its nuclear security regime.

According to the terms of the arrangement, the IAEA will co-operate with and support Qatar to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of nuclear security. This will include advising Qatar on physical protection measures for nuclear facilities and helping to provide equipment for the prevention and detection of criminal acts involving nuclear and other radioactive material.

Consultation

The arrangement also includes the possibility for the IAEA to provide nuclear security consultation, advisory missions, training and assistance in response to nuclear or radiological security incidents, if requested.