He said that Tuesday’s meeting discussed in detail the scope and extent of GCC’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in this field.

Al-Attiyah, who chaired the 14th meeting of the GCC panel responsible for monitoring preparations, coordination among member states and studies for use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, said the panel also reviewed the nature of cooperation with other international bodies.

“We are looking ahead to contributing to the discussions ahead and sharing and hearing best practices from across the GCC,” said Al-Attiyah in a statement released after the meeting.

Acquiring peaceful nuclear technology according to international regulations and as per best standards is a legal right for the GCC states, he added. For this reason, the GCC states asked the IAEA to prepare a primary feasibility study for the use of the nuclear energy in the Gulf countries, he explained.

The statement also pointed out the results of a study concluded recently regarding the Gulf countries’ ability to manage any potential radiation disaster would be presented to a GCC ministerial meeting in the coming weeks. The two-year study was carried out in each country by a regional panel and in cooperation with the IAEA. The study addressed what contingency plans GCC countries have in place to check and control radiological and nuclear disasters in the region, said the statement.

Moreover, the services of the Arab Atomic Energy Agency (AAEA) could also be used for harmonization of nuclear legislation in relation to safety and security of nuclear materials and installations, said the statement.

Some GCC member states have individually signed accords with foreign countries and companies to promote their nuclear energy projects.