site.btaBulgarian, Iranian Experts to Exchange Experience in Nuclear Energy, High Tech

Bulgarian, Iranian Experts to Exchange Experience in Nuclear Energy, High Tech

Tehran, July 12 (BTA Special Correspondent Genka Ivanova) - Strengthening of cooperation in the energy sector and, in particular, through the exchange of experience between Bulgarian and Iranian experts in nuclear energy topped the agenda of the discussions of Deputy Prime Minister for EU funds Tomislav Donchev and Energy Minister Temenouzhka Petkova with Vice President and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi.

Minister Petkova familiarized the host with the decision of the International Court of Arbitration in Geneva on the trade dispute between the National Electric Company (NEK) and Atomstroyexport regarding the Belene N-plant project. According to the decision, NEK EAD will pay 535 million euro to the Russian company and acquire the equipment, supplied within the project.

The Bulgarian side presented the 40-year experience and expert potential accumulated as a result of the operation of the Kozloduy N-plant. Kozloduy produces around 33 per cent of Bulgaria's energy and keeps on being a basic facility and a main factor ensuring a balance of the energy inputs. During all these years of operation of the Kozloduy N-plant the country has maintained a high level of nuclear safety and radiation protection. Bulgaria suggested providing experts in the field of storage of spent nuclear fuel.

The two sides were unanimous that the mutually beneficial cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes should be further promoted. Deputy Prime Minister Donchev and Minister Petkova invited Ali Akbar Salehi to visit Bulgaria in order to discuss the technical details of the future cooperation in nuclear energy.

At a bilateral meeting, held later in the day, Deputy Prime Minister Donchev and Iranian Vice President for Science and Technology Sorena Satari reached an agreement that representatives of the scientific circles and high-tech companies of Bulgaria and Iran participate in a working group for and exchange of experience and promotion of the economic relations between the two countries.

Bulgaria attaches priority to the development of cooperation with Iran in the fields of science and innovations, said Donchev.

Vice President Satari highlighted the good relations between Bulgaria and Iran and voiced hope that mutually beneficial spheres of economic cooperation will be identified through active dialogue and in the course of work of the bilateral working group.