A Vietnamese delegation led by Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Van Phong attended the International Conference on Access to Civil Nuclear Energy in Paris on March 8-9.

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Initiated by France and jointly held by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development’s Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA), the conference aimed to encourage the responsible use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes. It took place as part of the lead up to the Global Summit on Nuclear Safety scheduled for April 12-13 in Washington, D.C.

Speaking at the event, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, IAEA General Director Yukiya Amano and OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria emphasised the important role of nuclear energy in sustainable development, especially in the context that the world is struggling against climate change and facing the exhaustion of fossil fuel resources.

The French President called on delegates to look toward cooperation and solidarity among nations for a stronger, cleaner and fairer world economy.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Vietnamese delegation had several bilateral meetings with the Japanese delegation and French partners such as Electricity of France (EDF) and the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).

Minister Phong spoke highly of cooperation and assistance from countries, including Japan and France, as well as international nuclear organisations such as IAEA and NEA.

International cooperation and assistance are very important for the successful implementation of Vietnam’s civil nuclear energy programmes, he said, adding that the country wishes to receive more international support to accelerate its civil nuclear development for peaceful purposes.

Representatives of the Japanese delegation, EDF and CEA expressed their desires to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in this field, especially nuclear safety, human resources training and the development of support industries.