TASHKENT (Trend) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved an intergovernmental agreement signed between Uzbekistan and Russia on cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The agreement creates a legal basis for bilateral cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan regarding the peaceful use of atomic energy.

The deal was signed by Director General of Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation Alexei Likhachev, and from the Uzbek side by Deputy Prime Minister Nodir Otazhonov in December 2017.

Promising directions include: creation of a national infrastructure and training of personnel for the nuclear energy of Uzbekistan, construction of nuclear power plants and research reactors in the country, as well as provision of support throughout the life cycle.

The agreement also covers the exploration and development of uranium deposits in Uzbekistan, retrieval of uranium mill tailings, production of radioisotopes and their application in industry, medicine and agriculture, and scientific and basic research.

This accord envisages the formation of joint working groups for the implementation of specific projects and scientific research, as well as the exchange of experts, the organization of seminars and symposia.