Kazakhstan opened the Center for Operational Monitoring and Response to Nuclear and Radiation Incidents on October 2, the Agency for Atomic Energy reported. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The center was established within cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States with support from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA). Representatives of the agency, the U.S. Embassy and DOE/NNSA took part in the opening ceremony.
The center will monitor and analyze the radiation situation, ensure prompt information exchange and coordinate actions during nuclear and radiation incidents.
According to the agency, its work should ensure timely receipt of reliable information for making prompt and informed decisions. The center is also expected to increase the readiness of the national nuclear and radiation safety system for possible incidents and help establish interaction between government bodies and specialized organizations.
In the future, it is planned to develop the center's technical and analytical capabilities, improve interagency interaction, train specialists and improve their qualifications, as well as conduct practical drills.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that at the BRICS Plus summit in New Delhi, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on nuclear powers to resume high-level dialogue to reduce risks, including those related to new technologies. The President warned that protracted conflicts and the weakening of the international security system increase the risk of a new arms race and strategic miscalculations.