Deputy Director General of Rosatom Nikolai Spasskiy informed President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić about the work underway aimed at launching cooperation between the two countries in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy. The meeting took place in Belgrade on October 23. Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Chepurin and Serbian Minister in charge of Innovation and Technological Development Nenad Popovic also attended the meeting.

As the priority, both sides consider a project of building a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology based on a Russian-designed research reactor in Serbia. It is also planned to prepare for signing a framework intergovernmental agreement on peaceful atom shortly. The president of Serbia intends to monitor these issues personally.

Both sides expressed confidence that the existing moratorium banning development of nuclear power in Serbia was not an obstacle for this work.

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Centres for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNSTs) are complex scientific and commercial facilities and laboratories built around a research reactor. CNST projects are scalable and applicable across a wide variety of geographical contexts. They can become a first stepping stone in developing national nuclear programs in newcomer countries. CNSTs serve as platforms for developing science and technology sectors, enhancing educational system and increasing the country’s potential for innovations. Ultimately, CNSTs can transform local economies, foster skills and expertise needed for further development of the national nuclear industry.