Vienna:Sudan's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Ahmed Modawi Musa, emphasized the necessity of enhancing collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to utilize the agency's programs and expertise in promoting peaceful nuclear energy applications.
According to Sudan News Agency, the minister's remarks were made during a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in Vienna, coinciding with the 70th session of the IAEA General Conference. The discussion was attended by Ambassador Al-Sadig Al-Fadil Al-Mubarak Taha and other members of the Sudanese delegation.
Sudan is focusing on several key areas for IAEA support, including acquiring a linear accelerator for the National Cancer Institute at the University of Gezira, enhancing radiotherapy services, bolstering veterinary laboratory capabilities, and improving food security and agricultural development. The provision of a blood irradiator for the National Public Health Laboratory is also a priority.
Additionally, the meeting discussed Sudan's request for an IAEA technical mission to evaluate the needs and damages of national institutions related to nuclear energy, aiming to create plans for their rehabilitation and capacity restoration.
IAEA Director General Grossi expressed the agency's commitment to supporting Sudan, especially in revitalizing radiotherapy services, agricultural development, and veterinary laboratory capabilities. He also highlighted the urgency of finalizing Sudan's national cancer strategy, which is crucial for engaging regional and international partners and benefiting from the IAEA's 'Rays of Hope' initiative.
The Sudanese delegation, led by Prof. Musa, includes several key officials from various Sudanese nuclear and regulatory agencies. Their participation underscores Sudan's ongoing efforts to expand technical and scientific cooperation with the IAEA, leveraging the agency's support to advance national priorities in peaceful nuclear energy applications.