A new framework signed between Syria and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) aims to advance the transfer of peaceful nuclear technology to the country and its use in public services.
Mudhar al-Aklah, head of the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission, said in a statement on Friday that the Country Programme Framework for the 2026–2031 period, signed by the commission and the IAEA in Vienna, would accelerate cooperation in this area.
Framework covers seven key areas
The framework, signed three days ago, covers nuclear and radiation safety, health and nutrition, food and agriculture, energy planning and nuclear knowledge management, industrial applications, and water and the environment.
Al-Aklah said the agreement would accelerate the direct transfer of nuclear technology to the health, agriculture, water, energy and radiation safety sectors. He said the roadmap established with the IAEA would help turn the lifting of Syria’s non-compliance status into development projects that benefit citizens and contribute to the restoration of public services.
Non-compliance decision ended
On September 9, the IAEA Board of Governors ended its decision on Syria’s non-compliance with nuclear obligations under the safeguards agreement linked to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, after the necessary technical and legal conditions had been completed.
Syria’s participation on Wednesday in the 70th session of the IAEA General Conference was also regarded as an important step in technical cooperation with the agency.
Regional network for research reactors
Al-Aklah said Syria had also signed a framework document on establishing a network of research reactors in the Asia-Pacific region. The document will enable Syria to benefit from a regional mechanism for developing research reactors, including its own research reactor, and sharing expertise.
The Syrian Atomic Energy Commission attended the signing ceremony held in Vienna on Thursday with the support of the IAEA, alongside representatives from 12 countries. The regional platform aims to strengthen safety and security standards at research reactors, improve operational processes, build capacity and advance joint scientific research.
Al-Aklah said these steps reflected Syria’s recovery of its position in the field of peaceful nuclear science, describing this as necessary for all countries.
Restoring public services is the goal
The developments came as Syrian authorities sought to restore vital sectors, advance development and support economic recovery following the end of Bashar al-Assad’s administration on December 8, 2024.
