The agreement was signed on 31 May 2016 at the Atomexpo 2016 International Forum in Moscow and creates a legal framework for the cooperation between Russia and Zambia across a wide range of civil nuclear issues. Rosatom’s former CEO Sergei Kirienko said at the forum that the first joint project could be a nuclear technology center in Zambia. The document came into force on 1 November and provides, among many other things, for joint research, exploration and development of uranium deposits in Zambia for the national nuclear industry. The parties also plan to work together on the design and construction of research and power nuclear reactors, desalination plants and particle accelerators. Another aspect of cooperation is the production of radioactive isotopes for industrial, medical and agricultural purposes.