Vietnam vows the responsible use and development of atomic energy for peaceful purposes with high priority given to ensuring nuclear safety and security at the highest level.

Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan made the commitment at a reception for General Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano in Hanoi on Oct. 4.

He affirmed IAEA’s technical assistance has helped improve Vietnamese experts’ capacity in researching, managing and implementing nuclear applications.

The minister suggested IAEA continue support for Vietnam to build a legal framework for nuclear power safety, approve designs and license the building of nuclear power plants in the country.

Vietnam also wants to receive IAEA assistance in building nuclear management capacity, he added.

For his part, IAEA General Director Yukiya Amano affirmed that one of the agency’s top priorities after the Japanese nuclear incident is ensuring nuclear safety and security at the highest level.

IAEA is responsible for assisting all member countries, including Vietnam , in developing nuclear applications in the safest manner, he said, adding that the agency considers Vietnam a focus in its bilateral relations with member nations.

While appreciating Vietnam ’s initial successes in implementing its nuclear power development programme, the IAEA leader suggested Vietnam organise more seminars and conferences on the nuclear issue.

In recent years, with the assistance of IAEA and other member countries, Vietnam has adopted several national technical cooperation projects in such areas as health, agriculture, industry and nuclear power.

IAEA has approved five of the eight technical cooperation projects proposed by Vietnam for the 2012-2013 period, including three nuclear power projects./.