BEIJING, April 21: Kuwait has reiterated its support for the right of all nations to develop and utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and emphasized its commitment to establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone.

This affirmation was made in a speech delivered by Counselor Abdulaziz Al-Dakhil of the Kuwaiti Embassy in China at the opening of the First China-Gulf Forum on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies, held in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

Al-Dakhil highlighted Kuwait’s dedication to maintaining strong and ongoing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This collaboration aims to enable the safe and effective use of nuclear energy in projects that promote socio-economic development, while enhancing coordination with IAEA member states to support the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

He noted the progressive development in Kuwait’s cooperation with the IAEA, especially in technical fields. Kuwait has submitted four national projects to the Agency, focusing on:

The production of genetically modified crops,

Groundwater resource management,

Cancer treatment using radiation technologies,

Combating environmental and radioactive pollution.

Furthermore, Al-Dakhil pointed out that Kuwait is coordinating with the IAEA on nuclear applications in the oil sector and is evaluating the feasibility of using small modular reactors (SMRs) for electricity generation.

He also mentioned that the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) is currently conducting in-depth studies in collaboration with the IAEA. These studies assess the technical, economic, environmental, social, and political feasibility of adopting nuclear energy technologies for electricity generation, water desalination, and oil and industrial applications.

Although Kuwait has not yet formally adopted a nuclear energy program for power generation, Al-Dakhil explained that these preparatory studies reflect the country’s intention to stay aligned with technological advancements and address its future energy needs.

He emphasized that these studies include assessments on the integration of small modular reactor technologies into Kuwait’s energy system, particularly for their potential role in power generation.

Al-Dakhil expressed Kuwait’s hope that the China-GCC forum will yield actionable recommendations to enhance cooperation and serve the strategic interests of both sides. He stated that Kuwait’s participation stems from its belief in the importance of high-level dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, noting that the forum is a direct outcome of the China-Gulf Summit held in Riyadh in 2022, which launched the initiative to enhance peaceful nuclear cooperation.

The First China-Gulf Forum on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies is being attended by:

GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi,

President of the China Atomic Energy Authority Shan Zhongde,

Delegates from the IAEA,

Representatives from international research centers and nuclear energy specialists from around the world.

The forum aims to promote political dialogue, exchange of knowledge, and long-term strategic partnerships in the field of nuclear energy between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.