The UAE has pledged a contribution of $1 million towards the expansion and enhancement of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Safeguards Analytical Laboratory. In October 2013, it will also be hosting in October 2013 of an international conference on strategies and techniques for maintaining continuous control of radioactive sources throughout their life cycle.
This was announced by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, during the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, South Korea, from 26 to 27 March 2012.
Along with over 50 Heads of States and representatives of the United Nations (UN), the IAEA, European Union (EU) and INTERPOL, the UAE called for international cooperation to better protect nuclear materials and facilities from terrorist groups. The UAE highlighted the eminent and pivotal role of the IAEA in promoting nuclear security.
Speaking at the world’s largest summit of leaders on nuclear issues, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that “a fundamental part of international efforts” is to eliminate the dangers of misappropriation of nuclear materials and technology, including the threat of “nuclear terrorism.”
During the summit meetings, the UAE announced that, it will support the objectives of the summit to respond to the threat of nuclear terrorism through ensuring enhanced protection of nuclear materials and facilities, and the prevention of illegal trafficking of nuclear materials.
In this regard, the UAE will join with other nations in contributing to IAEA project regarding the IAEA's Safeguards Analytical Laboratory. The UAE’s contribution of $1 million dollars will go specifically toward the expansion and upgrading of existing laboratories which will, among other things, allow the Agency to determine the origin of nuclear materials and to detect undeclared and illegal nuclear installations.
