U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Michael Kleine, opened the International Atomic Energy Agency Workshop on the Fundamentals of Nuclear Safeguards and the Additional Protocol, held in October in Vientiane, Laos.
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U.S.-Laos Cooperation on Nuclear Safety
This workshop was sponsored by the U.S. government through the U.S. Department of Energy and co-hosted by the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR. During the workshop, thirty participants from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Science and Technology, and other concerned government sectors as well as the National University of Laos learned about nuclear safety.
Experts from a number of organizations including the U.S. Department of Energy, Argonne National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the International Atomic Energy Agency delivered presentations and conducted interactive exercises designed to introduce participants to international nuclear safeguards. Discussions during the event also covered implementation of the Additional Protocol (AP), which is a supplement to existing safeguards agreements.
During his welcoming remarks, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Kleine congratulated the Lao PDR on signing the Additional Protocol in November 2014 as it is a clear demonstration of its commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. This workshop helps ensure that states develop the necessary infrastructure and safeguards to protect against nuclear accidents or proliferation.
The United States is proud to work with its partner Laos to ensure that nuclear energy is used safely for the benefit of the people of Laos, the Asia – Pacific region, and the world.