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Myanmar signs new nuclear energy agreement with Russia

Tuesday, 7 February 2023

The Intergovernmental Agreement on cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes will see the two countries working together on the use of nuclear technology in a number of areas, including training of a workforce for building and running a small modular reactor.

Myanmar signs new nuclear energy agreement with Russia — The agreement was signed by Minister for Science and Technology Myo Thein Kyaw, left, and Rosatom's Likhachov, right on 6 February (Image: Rosatom)

Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, pictured above,at the signing, said: "This agreement is cooperation not only for Small Nuclear Power Plants but also the application of nuclear technology in many sectors and it will enhance the socio-economic development of the country."

Director general of Russia's nuclear power company Rosatom, Alexey Likhachov, said the agreement marked "a new chapter in the history of Russian-Myanmar relations, the 75th anniversary of which we are celebrating this year".

He said: "The creation of a new industry in the country will undoubtedly benefit the energy sector, industry and the economy of Myanmar. Nuclear energy offers a steady reliable supply of clean energy at a stable price. The introduction of nuclear technologies implies a powerful impetus for the development of natural sciences, education and training of highly qualified personnel. We appreciate the fact that Myanmar has a given preference to Russian nuclear technology."

The signing took place at the opening of the Nuclear Technology Information Centre in the Myanmar capital Yangon - the centre is a joint project between Rosatom and the country's Ministry of Science and Technology.

The state-run newspaper, The Global New Light of Myanmar, said the new agreement - which followed memorandums of understanding signed last year which set out cooperation in training and skills development in the field of nuclear energy and shaping positive public opinion - covered the next stages of cooperation in applying nuclear energy in 14 areas.