Cuba reinforces its commitment to nuclear physical security

HAVANA, Cuba, January 27 (ACN) Cuba's commitment to making responsible progress in the use of nuclear science and technology was evident today in Havana, as part of the diagnostic meeting for the Integrated Plan for the Sustainability of Nuclear Physical Security (INSSP).

The meeting, held from January 26 to 29, coincides with a technical visit by specialists from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Since 2008, the IAEA has visited the island every five years to assess the nation's capacity to address these issues of protection against potential incidents involving nuclear and radioactive material, its prevention, detection, response, and training protocols, and to evaluate the country's progress in this area.

Rodney Busquim, head of the IAEA's Information Management Section, expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to meet with Cuban authorities, which, he said, constitutes strong evidence of their shared commitment to advancing nuclear physical security both in Cuba and globally.

Busquim referred to the multiple applications and benefits of the responsible use of nuclear technology, but also noted that it demands a concerted effort from nations to ensure its rational and safe use.

In this regard, he emphasized the importance of exploring new technologies and methods for nuclear physical security, which is reinforced by the exchange of best practices so that States can learn from each other's successes in the relentless pursuit of excellence in all the processes and mechanisms they implement.

First Colonel Ariel Martos Rodriguez, head of the Protection Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior, highlighted the collective development process over the years in cooperation, which has led to higher levels of understanding and joint approaches.

He assessed that the relationship between the IAEA and the Caribbean nation is in a favorable position to move into a new phase of implementing beneficial and comprehensive projects aimed at consolidating strategic objectives.

He also noted how advances and sophistication in methods for concealing hazardous substances have led to the need to enhance detection and response capabilities at the border.

Thanks to this, the country is showing positive results in terms of the security of nuclear and radioactive material and is keeping its protocols for responding to these potential threats up to date.

The visit included a tour of areas that will house the future Nuclear Security Support Center (NSSC), which is based on cooperation provided by the IAEA and is projected to eventually have a regional scope.

The main objective of the event is to design and approve, in conjunction with IAEA experts, the new Implementation Plan for

2026-2030, with a view to identifying priorities, evaluating progress achieved, and ensuring that Cuba has the necessary capabilities to prevent, detect, and respond to any nuclear security incident.