Syria has assumed the Presidency of the Arab Network of Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authorities for a two-year term, following the 17th meeting of Arab regulatory bodies held on Friday in the Tunisian capital, Tunis.
The handover took place during the meeting’s official session, attended by Director General of the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission, Mudar al-Okla.
Syria’s Presidency will be represented by Samer Al-Haj Ali, Head of the Commission’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Office, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.
In remarks to SANA, al-Okla said Syria’s appointment reflects the expertise of its national professionals and their role in strengthening nuclear and radiological safety and security across the Arab region.
He added that, during its tenure, Syria will focus on enhancing coordination among member states and supporting joint initiatives aimed at advancing regulatory frameworks in the region.
According to the Commission’s media office, priorities for the upcoming phase include developing implementation plans for joint projects, coordinating technical and training programmes among member states, and defining key areas of focus for the presidency period.
The Arab Network of Nuclear and Radiological Regulators (ANNuR) serves as a regional platform for cooperation among institutions responsible for overseeing nuclear and radiological activities.
Established in January 2010, ANNuR is a regional network whose work focuses on safety and security, capacity building, knowledge exchange, and the development of regulatory systems across member states.
The range of tasks for regulators in the region have grown with the increasing use of nuclear technology in sectors such as health, industry, agriculture and water management, and with several countries’ interest in introducing nuclear power programmes.
ANNuR supports Member States as they strive to develop and strengthen regulatory bodies that are independent, competent and efficient.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supports ANNuR through the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network, which helps Member States connect, collaborate and communicate. The IAEA acts also as ANNuR’s Scientific Secretariat. (SANA; IAEA; Photo: Attendees at the 17th meeting of the Arab Network of Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authorities (ANNuR) © SANA)
