Chengdu: The 1st China-GCC Forum on Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology commenced in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in southwest China. Hosted by the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), the event gathered a diverse group of participants including CAEA Chairman Shan Zhongde, GCC Secretary General Jassim Al-Budaiwi, government officials, ambassadors, and experts from the GCC countries, Pakistan, and neighboring states.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Budaiwi highlighted China's achievements in combating climate change, promoting clean energy, and sharing peaceful nuclear technology. He noted that nuclear energy has become a strategic priority for GCC countries, and lauded the forum as a vital platform for enhancing China-GCC cooperation towards achieving social and economic progress.
Shan Zhongde reiterated China's commitment to strengthening international collaboration in nuclear development, aiming to contribute to a shared, peaceful future. A memorandum of understanding was signed during the forum between the CAEA and Saudi Arabia's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, focusing on cooperation in nuclear safety, non-proliferation, emergency response, joint training, and technical assistance.
China-GCC nuclear collaboration has seen growth in recent years, with countries such as Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain forming successful partnerships with Chinese institutions in the fields of nuclear medicine and research.