Morocco calls for more global efforts to ensure nuclear safety

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Conference on Nuclear Security: Enhancing global efforts,'' El Otmani said the Kingdom of Morocco, convinced of the need for implement the action plan of the Washington Summit and the Seoul Summit Declaration on strengthening international cooperation in nuclear security, has added its voice to those calling for continued vigilance to ensure the safety and permanent protection of nuclear facilities and materials, while stressing the commitment of the members of the IAEA to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities. He noted in this regard that Morocco has always called for strengthening international cooperation to address and raise awareness on the increasing risks of cybercrime and its negative impact on nuclear security with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency member states to develop and implement a practical guide to address these challenges.

The Kingdom of Morocco, which calls for taking into account the results of this conference in the development of the IAEA action plan for the period 2014-2017, is convinced of the importance of the role of the agency to help countries develop a permanent and efficient national security mechanism within the framework of integrated nuclear security support systems, the minister said.

With regard to international cooperation in this field, El Otmani called for facilitating the role of the IAEA in coordinating Member States' initiatives while encouraging states to actively interact with the services of the agency, such as the International Physical Protection Advisory Service.

The minister emphasized the IAEA's important role as an international body that oversees international treaties and conventions relating to nuclear safety and non-proliferation, particularly at a juncture which calls for a serious effort by the international community to expand the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.