Rosatom signed a memorandum of understanding with the Algerian Atomic Energy Commission (COMENA) on Monday on the sidelines of the 67th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria.
"The parties agreed to implement joint cooperation projects in the field of application of non-energy nuclear technologies in healthcare and development of nuclear medicine in Algeria, in particular, within the framework of creating nuclear medicine centers," the press service of Rosatom's healthcare division said in a statement.
The document was signed by Boris Arseev, Rosatom's Deputy Director for Development and International Business, and Abdelhamid Mellah, COMENA commissioner.
According to Arseev, Rosatom takes the most comprehensive approach to the implementation of its tasks in the field of healthcare. He explained that the corporation's work in this area includes the isotope complex, the production of radiopharmaceuticals and high-tech medical equipment, as well as the construction of nuclear medicine centers. The official stressed that Rosatom is "pleased" to have the opportunity to develop innovative nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes in cooperation with Algeria.
Mellah, for his part, emphasized the importance of the agreement, noting that the development of nuclear medicine in the country will help to increase the duration and improve the quality of citizens' lives.
"Rosatom's assistance in the development of nuclear medicine will have a significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Algeria. For COMENA, cooperation with such a prestigious partner as Rosatom will also be the key to success in fulfilling the tasks set for us by the government," Mellah said.
In March, Rosatom and COMENA jointly organized a workshop on nuclear energy solutions for key stakeholders and companies in the Algerian energy market. This was the first event organized by the two parties and held at the headquarters of COMENA in Algiers.