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Qatar and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding Thursday on co-operation in nuclear safety and radiation protection, covering radiation monitoring, laboratory analysis and joint preparedness for cross-border nuclear and radiological emergencies.Concluded between the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Saudi Arabia's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, the memorandum sets out to regulate and develop co-operation between the two sides in line with the regulations and laws in force in both countries.Signing for Qatar was His Excellency Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Engineer Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Mahmoud, and for the kingdom, Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission chief executive Khalid bin Abdulaziz al-Issa.**media[476529]**After the ceremony, His Excellency Minister of Environment and Climate Change Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie met al-Issa and his accompanying delegation. They reviewed co-operation between the two sides in nuclear safety and radiation protection, and discussed ways to strengthen technical co-operation and the exchange of expertise in areas of mutual interest.The undersecretary described the memorandum as a significant addition to Qatari-Saudi co-operation and an expression of the historical ties binding the two countries. Both sides, he said, were keen to widen their technical and scientific co-operation, draw on shared expertise in nuclear safety and radiation protection, and move towards joint programmes and projects serving the interests of both.He said the memorandum would improve the exchange of information, research and studies, develop the capabilities of specialists and support co-ordination in radiation monitoring, laboratory analysis and nuclear emergency preparedness and response — strengthening the protection of human health and the environment and ensuring the safe use of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes. He expressed hope it would open new avenues between institutions in both countries and consolidate the Qatari-Saudi partnership in environmental and technical fields.The areas covered run from nuclear security and safety, radiation safety and radiation protection to methods of monitoring nuclear facilities and radiation practices, preparedness and response to cross-border nuclear and radiological emergencies, and the provision of assistance should such an emergency occur. Co-operation also extends to radiological laboratories and analyses, the safe transport of radioactive sources, the exchange of information, scientific research, studies, expertise and documents, and the organisation of conferences, seminars and workshops.The memorandum further provides for the exchange of specialists through scientific and technical visits and training programmes, technical assistance, joint working groups to carry out agreed studies and projects, and a joint committee to develop the co-operation programmes and monitor their implementation.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (has confirmed that the radiation levels in the air and territorial waters of Qatar fall within natural and safe thresholds. It added that all recorded readings don't indicate the existence of any signs of concern. Posting on its official X page, the ministry highlighted that it is closely monitoring regional developments through national around‑the‑clock radiological monitoring systems. In addition, the ministry asserted its full readiness to handle any potential developments, in constant coordination with the authoritative agencies in the nation, calling on the public to obtain information from its approved official sources.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in co-operation with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), represented by the Radiation Control Department, announced the accreditation of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) as an international collaborative centre, the "Anchor Center," in radiation medicine.This achievement is the result of close and ongoing cooperation between the MoECC, represented by the Radiation Control Department, and HMC, as part of joint efforts to develop peaceful applications of nuclear technology in healthcare, diagnosis, and treatment, contributing to further scientific and medical progress for the benefit of Qatari society and humanity as a whole.Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs at the MoECC Yousef al-Hamar emphasised that the accreditation of HMC as an international collaborative centre with the IAEA is a major achievement that adds to Qatar's distinguished record in the areas of international cooperation and the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. It also reflects the great confidence that the country's institutions enjoy among specialised international organisations.Al-Hamar pointed out that this fruitful cooperation highlights Qatar's commitment to empowering its national cadres and building human capacity in the fields of radiology and radiation control, through research, training, and professional development programmes, in line with the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030 towards sustainable human and health development.He indicated that this achievement represents international recognition of the competence of Qatari national cadres and the advanced infrastructure the country possesses in the field of radiation and medical applications. It also reflects Qatar's unwavering commitment to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and its contribution to enhancing the health sector's capabilities in diagnosing and treating cancer according to the latest international standards.This accreditation is a significant national achievement that enhances Qatar's position in the fields of nuclear medicine and cancer treatment, as part of the "Rays of Hope" initiative launched by the IAEA to provide radiotherapy to cancer patients, particularly in developing countries. (QNA)###OPT TRIMThis achievement comes within the framework of the practical arrangements signed between the Ministry of Public Health and IAEA in November 2023, during the visit of the IAEA's deputy director general and head of the department of technical cooperation Hua Liu to Doha, which will contribute to strengthening the advanced healthcare system in the country.This event embodies Qatar's commitment to supporting international efforts to combat cancer and affirms its active role in providing specialised medical expertise and services at the regional and global levels.This also reflects the close cooperation between the MoECC, represented by the Radiation Control Department — as the national point of contact with the IAEA and relevant state institutions — in supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals and developing national capabilities in the fields of radiation medicine and peaceful nuclear technology, thus consolidating Qatar's position in supporting international initiatives aimed at employing nuclear technologies to serve humanity. (QNA)