Riyadh, October 03, 2023, The CEO of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC), Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Issa, emphasized Saudi Arabia's commitment to global nuclear security during the inauguration of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear security training center in Seibersdorf, Austria.
The IAEA officially opened this center, aimed at bolstering expertise in countering nuclear terrorism, with the attendance of Al-Issa, representatives, and ambassadors from 60 nations. Notably, Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role by proposing and generously funding the establishment of the International Centre for Nuclear Security in Austria with a $10 million donation. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to strengthen international nuclear security and combat nuclear terrorism.
At the center's launch event, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed gratitude to all contributing countries, including Saudi Arabia. The center complements the IAEA's existing capabilities and offers advanced training programs in safeguarding nuclear and radioactive materials, as well as responding to illicit activities involving nuclear material. Furthermore, it focuses on computer security, nuclear cybersecurity, and their implications for nuclear safety.
During the opening ceremony, Al-Issa, representing Saudi Arabia, underscored the Kingdom's commitment to upholding regulatory standards and ensuring both national and global nuclear security. He also highlighted Saudi Arabia's active participation in previous nuclear security summits and ministerial conferences.
The groundwork for the center's establishment was laid in July 2020, and construction concluded in the first quarter of 2023 under the careful oversight of Saudi officials and NRRC engineers. In 2024, the center plans to offer more than 50 training courses to over 1,000 participants from around the world. Additionally, it aims to provide consulting services to IAEA member states and contribute to the development of international standards and guidelines for nuclear security.
The establishment of this center responds to the pressing need to address global challenges in the realm of nuclear security and the fight against nuclear terrorism. Its principal goal is to enhance the IAEA's capabilities and impartiality in this sensitive and vital field.
