Myanmar and Russia signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to identify Myanmar’s nuclear infrastructure development needs and identify priority areas of work for the development of small modular reactor projects.

The MoU was signed by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Myanmar Minister of Science and Technology Myo Thein Kyaw during Russia Energy Week. Russia stated that the signing of the document will further promote the development of Myanmar's nuclear infrastructure and help strengthen cooperation between Russia and Myanmar in this field.

According to the memorandum, Myanmar will develop its nuclear infrastructure in accordance with the International Atomic Energy Agency's methods and recommendations and Rosatom's best practices. In addition, the memorandum also involves cooperation in training and human resource development, as well as strengthening safety culture.

In February this year, Russia and Myanmar signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear technology, and the memorandum of understanding signed this time is part of the agreement. According to the agreement, the two countries will cooperate to jointly promote the implementation of nuclear energy development plans and promote economic cooperation and exchanges between the two countries. In June, the joint coordination committee established by the two countries as part of the intergovernmental agreement held its first meeting.

Myanmar has been actively promoting the development of nuclear energy in recent years. In 2016, Myanmar passed the Nuclear Energy Law and plans to build nuclear power plants to promote domestic energy supply and economic development. In addition, Myanmar plans to apply nuclear technology in nuclear medicine, agriculture and industry.

The memorandum of understanding signed this time will further strengthen cooperation between Myanmar and Russia in the field of nuclear energy and provide more support and assistance for Myanmar's nuclear energy development. With the guidance and help of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Myanmar will be able to better promote its nuclear energy development plan and improve its nuclear technology level through cooperation projects such as training and human resources development. Editor/Xu Shengpeng