Vietnamese delegation attends the 19th International Atomic Forum in the Russian Federation

From 23 to 26 September, a working delegation of the Ministry of National Defence comprising officers of the Chemical Corps and the Department of Military Science attended the 19th International Atomic Forum on the theme “Ensuring the Safety of Nuclear Technologies and Safety Culture” in the Russian Federation, at the invitation of the State Atomic Energy Corporation of the Russian Federation.

The State Atomic Energy Corporation of the Russian Federation (Rosatom) manages Russia’s entire nuclear energy industry, with more than 450 member companies covering scientific research, uranium mining, the design and construction of nuclear power plants, fuel production and radioactive waste management, and currently operates in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Delegates attending the Forum

This was the first time a working delegation of the Ministry of National Defence had attended the Forum, following previous participation by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Government Office, the Ninh Thuan Provincial People’s Committee, etc.

The Vietnamese delegation at the workshop

This year’s Forum brought together 325 experts from 10 countries, representing more than 115 international organisations and agencies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO).

The main thematic presentations covered: ensuring nuclear safety by enhancing the accountability of managers and staff; ensuring safety in fuel design; nuclear safety culture at a number of Rosatom companies and subsidiaries; and Rosatom’s radiation safety standards in comparison with IAEA standards.

These were followed by thematic exchanges, at which delegates heard experience shared on radioactive waste management; the storage and transport of enriched nuclear fuel; and coordination with the IAEA on nuclear safeguards inspections, etc.

The Vietnamese delegation gave a presentation on “Incident response procedures in general and CBRN incident response in particular: some current concerns of Vietnam”. The presentation was well received by delegates and drew considerable feedback. Most comments focused on suggesting methods and points of contact and on sharing experts’ experience in the operation of nuclear power plants and incident response at such plants. Delegates also commended Vietnam’s research and efforts and expressed their wish to cooperate with Vietnam in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

A delegate from the Chemical Corps, Ministry of National Defence, delivers a presentation

Attending the Forum gave specialist personnel the opportunity to acquire international knowledge and experience, particularly from Russia, on ensuring safety in general and on preparedness for and response to incidents at nuclear power plants in particular, enabling them to advise leaders and commanders at all levels in a timely manner in preparing for the construction and operation of nuclear power plants in Vietnam.