The government has announced plans to partner with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), aiming to develop the nuclear medicine field.
Speaking at a press conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer revealed that the decision was taken as it will benefit the Maldives, adding that the collaboration with IAEA will play a pivotal role in supporting the Maldives to develop the nuclear medicine field. Highlighting that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu pledged to establish a Cancer Treating Hospital in the Maldives, the minister stated that nuclear medicine was utilised as a treatment for several diseases.
While the government has decided to collaborate with IAEA, it disclosed that all the works pertaining to it will be led by the Ministry of Defence. The government notes that this is a long time process, as this decision made by the Cabinet will be proposed to the parliament and will require parliamentary approval, for the Maldives to join the agency. In addition to the IAEA assisting the Maldives in advancing the nuclear medicine field, it can also serve benefits to the Maldives in the field of renewable energy.
The IAEA was established in 1957 in response to the deep fears and expectations generated by the discoveries and diverse uses of nuclear technology. It seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. While the organisation consists of 178 member states, Maldives and Bhutan remain as the only countries in the region which have not joined the organisation.