VIENNA, AUSTRIA – The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) signed agreements with the Kingdom of Morocco and Iceland to cooperate to improve efforts to counter nuclear and radiological terrorism and promote international nuclear and environmental safety and security. In conjunction with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, NNSA Associate Administrator for Emergency Operations Joseph Krol today signed statements of intent (SOI) with the Moroccan National Center for Nuclear Energy, Science and Technologies and the Iceland Radiation Safety Authority.
"We are pleased to count the Kingdom of Morocco and Iceland among our partners in this global effort to enhance capabilities to prevent or respond to nuclear and radiological emergencies in support of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism," said NNSA Associate Administrator for Emergency Operations Joseph Krol. "With over sixty years of expertise in handling, securing and detecting nuclear material, NNSA is uniquely equipped to share expertise and collaborate with foreign counterparts on these global security issues."
In his Prague speech in April, President Obama noted that "the most immediate and extreme threat to global security" is a terrorist acquiring a nuclear weapon. Enhanced international cooperation with Morocco and Iceland is another step in countering the threat posed by nuclear terrorism.
The SOIs outlined mutual commitments aimed at minimizing the actual or potential radiological consequences to health, environment and property of an event involving nuclear or radiological materials worldwide.
To date, NNSA has worked with emergency response organizations in over 75 countries and nine international organizations to address potential radiological emergencies and nuclear incidents. The international cooperation involves technical exchanges, mutual training events, jointly conducted exercises and emergency management assistance.
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Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science in the nation's national security enterprise. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability, and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; reduces the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad. Visit http://www.nnsa.energy.gov/ [5] for more information.
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