The United States and Cambodia on Dec. 14 signed an agreement under which the US will help the latter deter, detect, and interdict illicit smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive material.

The deal, known as the Megaports Initiative, paves the way for Cambodia to install radiation detection equipment at the Autonomous Port of Sihanoukville.

In addition to providing equipment and related infrastructure, the US will also train Cambodian officials on the use and maintenance of the equipment.

The installation of radiation detection equipment at the port will improve Cambodia ’s ability to monitor cargo at this critical location and underscores the importance of the country’s seaports in regional maritime security.

The Megaports Initiative is now operational at 28 ports around the world. Work is underway at additional ports in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East , and Africa./.