Uzbekistan studies Hungary’s legislation in nuclear energy field
By Abdul Kerimkhanov
Uzbekistan is interested in developing cooperation with Hungary within the EU and is ready to continue multilateral work on the implementation of the EU Strategy for Central Asia, based on the principles of mutual respect and trust.
The delegation of Uzbekistan visited Hungary from on February 12-15, 2019 to familiarize with the legislation in the field of atomic energy.
The delegation included deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, representatives of the Agency "Uzatom" and the media, the press service of the Agency "Uzatom" reports.
During the visit, a meeting was held with the Vice-Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament (National Assembly) Istvan Jakab.
He stressed that the Hungarian Government regards Uzbekistan as an important strategic partner in Central Asia. Meanwhile, the opening in 2017 of the Hungarian Embassy in Tashkent was an important step in the development of relations between the two countries.
The Vice Speaker added that Inter-Parliamentary relations are an important area of cooperation, which presented the role of the Chamber in regulating the development of nuclear energy.
In turn, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis Boriy Alikhanov noted that Uzbekistan attaches great importance to the further deepening of the strategic partnership with Hungary in the development of nuclear energy.
The parties reached an agreement on the further development of parliamentary exchange and inter-parliamentary relations, including in the study of Hungarian legislation and experience in the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes, as well as the exchange of experience between the authorities of the two countries.
Negotiations were also held with the minister “without portfolio” Janos Schuli, responsible for the Paks-2 NPP project, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Hungary Andrea Beatrix Kadar, Director General of the Hungarian atomic energy regulator Gyula Fichtinger and others.
The Paks-2 NPP project is associated with an increasing need for electricity in Hungary. The site for the construction of the Paks-2 NPP selected a place near the Paks-1 NPP, on the bank of the Danube River.
In 2014, the regulator issued a license to conduct surveys at the site of the Paks-2 nuclear power plant and obtained a license to select the site of the new NPP.
Currently, the project is at the stage of obtaining a license for a new NPP construction. To implement this project, an Intergovernmental Agreement was signed with Russia on the construction of nuclear power plants.
The Hungarian side stressed that the Water-water power reactor-1200 generation “3+” of the Russian design was chosen because of the quality and safety.
There was also an acquaintance with the training center of the Paks-1 NPP, which is fully equipped with real reactors and other equipment similar to those used in the NPP.
This center, created with the support of the IAEA, is used to train personnel at nuclear power plants and other departments in Hungary, conduct various tests and studies, and train personnel from other countries.
Following the meeting, the parties expressed their intention to develop joint cooperation in the application of innovative technologies, exchange of experience and conducting scientific and practical seminars and trainings.
From the delegation’s side, a number of proposals were submitted for consideration, including assistance to Hungary in the creation of an educational and information center for atomic energy in Uzbekistan, assistance in teaching Uzbek students in universities in Hungary.
Parties reached an agreement on establishing cooperation in the field of the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes.
Diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Hungary were established on March 3, 1992.
A meeting of the Uzbek-Hungarian Intergovernmental Commission will be held in Budapest on March 5-6, 2019, which will form the conditions and basis for the development of cooperation between the countries.
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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94
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