Myanmar signs new nuclear energy agreement with Russia
07 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.
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.
Researched and written by World Nuclear News