LUSAKA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Zambia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday pledged to deepen cooperation in nuclear programs, including cancer care and nuclear energy development.
The commitment came during talks between a team from the IAEA's Division for Africa and officials from Zambia's Ministry of Technology and Science in Lusaka, the Zambian capital, a ministry statement said.
The talks focused on continued collaboration in cancer care, radiation medicine, nuclear energy development, equipment provision, technical training, and regulatory capacity building, among others.
Derick Saboi, director of planning and information at the Ministry of Technology and Science, acknowledged the IAEA's support in cancer treatment services and capacity-building programs, noting their importance as Zambia prepares to develop its nuclear energy program.
He called on the agency to continue its support and facilitate the participation of Zambian officials in relevant technical, policy and legal meetings.
Gashaw Wolde, acting director of the IAEA technical cooperation division for Africa, recognized Zambia as a longstanding partner in health, science and technology, while commending its efforts to expand radiation medicine through facility refurbishment and equipment acquisition.
Wolde also commended Zambia's progress in laying the foundations for its nuclear energy program, including safety infrastructure and technical training, and reaffirmed the IAEA's readiness to continue cooperation through national and regional projects, the statement said. ■