OREANDA-NEWS. March 20, 2009. The physical protection of nuclear materials and ionizing elements with the help of detection devices was the theme of the seminar conducted in Ashgabat. The forum organized by the Sun Scientific Production Association of the Supreme Council of Science and Technology under the President of Turkmenistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) brought together the representatives of the ministries and departments including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of National Security, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the State Border Service and the State Customs Service and the specialists of Turkmenstandartlary Chief State Service.

The International Atomic Energy Agency is an international organisation that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for military purposes. In 2005 Turkmenistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) signed the Agreement for the application of safeguards in connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Additional Protocol that became an important step towards constructive partnership in the interests of global peace and security. In accordance with this document Turkmenistan is to provide the reports on nuclear and ionizing materials subject to safeguards and equipment which use, produce or process nuclear and ionizing materials. The forum vividly illustrated that neutral independent Turkmenistan stood steadfast to its international commitments and policy of positive cooperation for the benefit of people worldwide.

In 2007 by common consent the IAEA gave the status of the national liaison body to the Sun Scientific Production Association, which is responsible for monitoring and preparing the reports, conducting joint workshops and trainings for the specialists of the interested ministries and departments.

During the meeting the IAEA experts presented the up-to-date detection devices that allowed detecting the dangerous radioactive substances, defining the codes and identifying the radioactive sources.