Sessions 1&2: Country Report

Moderator:
Ms. Noro Naoko, Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (ISCN/JAEA), Japan
Mr. Andrey Syssaletin, National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NNC), Kazakhstan

9 countries (Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam) presented their country reports to update the developments and improvements since the 2023 Workshop regarding the implementation of safeguards and nuclear security, the promotion of nuclear security culture and capacity building activities.

All countries reported close cooperation with international or regional organizations and other countries, to strengthen nuclear safeguards and security capacity building. Almost all countries have implemented activities to continuously improve their respective nuclear security and safeguards regime through bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the IAEA, other countries and organizations.

The consolidation of the country reports is covered in Session 6 of the Country Report Summary.

Session 3: Discussion on Radiological and Nuclear Security

Moderator:
Dr. Sang Jun Lee, Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control (KINAC), Korea
Presentations were delivered by Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Mongolia
Mr. Can Viet Tuan, Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS), Vietnam
Ms. Lydia Ilaiza Binti Saleh, Department of Atomic Energy Malaysia (Atom Malaysia), Malaysia
Ms. Harinate Mungpayaban, Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP), Thailand
Ms. Gerelmaa Gombosuren, The Executive Office of the Nuclear Energy Commission, Government of Mongolia (NEC), Mongolia
Mr. Andrey Syssaletin, NNC, Kazakhstan

In this session, four member countries, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Mongolia, shared their challenges and/or good practices on Radiological and Nuclear Security. Then Kazakhstan shared its challenges and/or good practices on Nuclear Security.

I. Presentation by Vietnam (Mr. Can Viet Tuan)
Mr. Tuan presented on regulatory framework for state management of nuclear security in Vietnam and its implementing mechanism between authorities including regulatory body and functional agencies in ensuring security at front lines. He summarized some of challenges in management of materials out of regulatory control (MORC), including security threats from using portable radioactive sources during infield activities, the management of life cycle of radioactive source to its final disposal, the prevention, detection and response to MORC during export, import control in borders, and security concerns at facility level such as cyber attack, insider threat and nuclear security culture. He insists vital role of cooperation network internationally to better promote nuclear security culture and information exchange to enhance nuclear security infrastructure in the country.

II. Presentation by Malaysia (Ms. Lydia Ilaiza Binti Saleh)
Ms. Lydia Ilaiza Binti Saleh presented the regulatory supervision of radiological material security. She explained Malaysia's integration of the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources into license conditions, the Radiation Protection Program, and the Security Plan. Malaysia’s legal framework, including the Basic Safety Radiation Protection Regulations 2010, focuses on preventing theft, loss, or sabotage of radiological materials. Inspection procedures follow a phased approach, ensuring compliance with security measures and coordination with local law enforcement. These inspections assess physical barriers, verify security measures, and ensure adequate training of personnel, aligning with international safety standards.

III. Presentation by Thailand (Ms. Harinate Mungpayaban)
Ms. Harinate Mungpayaban presented on radiological and nuclear security in Thailand. She outlined the regulatory framework under the Nuclear Energy for Peace Act and the Ministerial Regulation on Radiation Safety B.E. 2561. The security management plan includes graded security levels (A, B, C) with corresponding goals for detection, delay, and response measures to protect radioactive materials. Security levels range from high protection (level A) for activities like teletherapy and gamma knives to baseline protection (level C) for less hazardous practices. The response plan involves immediate detection, communication with response personnel, and coordination with local forces. Thailand's multi-layered security measures ensure compliance with international safety standards for radioactive material protection.

IV. Presentation by Mongolia (Ms. Gerelmaa Gombosuren)
Ms. Gerelmaa Gombosuren presented on radiological and nuclear security in Mongolia. She outlined Mongolia’s obligations under international conventions such as the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident. Mongolia has implemented a regulatory framework to manage the acquisition, distribution, and security of radioactive sources, including laws like the 2009 Law on Nuclear Energy and regulations for radiation safety established in 2015. The Integrated Nuclear Security Plan aims to enhance legal frameworks and detect and prevent illegal nuclear activity. Border radiation control systems have been improved with 100 radiation monitors installed at border ports. Ms. Gombosuren also highlighted multi-stakeholder collaboration, including training programs, physical security improvements, and the use of radiation detection equipment to enhance nuclear security across the country.

V. Presentation by Kazakhstan (Mr. Andrey Syssaletin)
Mr. Andrey Syssaletin presented Kazakhstan's nuclear forensics development. Kazakhstan, previously the largest Soviet nuclear weapons base, voluntarily gave up its arsenal after independence. The National Nuclear Center (NNC) is currently developing competencies in nuclear forensics, with a focus on establishing a National Nuclear Forensics Library (NNFL) to identify and track radioactive materials.
The project involves improving analytical capabilities, such as chemical, microstructural, and isotopic analysis of nuclear materials, and working closely with local and international laboratories. A key achievement is the creation of the NNFL, a database of nuclear materials aimed at enhancing nuclear security. The NNC also engages in international cooperation, sharing samples and collaborating on gamma spectrometric analysis to improve nuclear forensic methods.
Kazakhstan has made significant progress in nuclear forensics, highlighted by positive feedback from international experts at various nuclear forensics summits. The NNC plans to continue expanding its research capabilities, develop search algorithms, and improve its NNFL database, which will serve as a vital tool for nuclear material identification and security.

VI. Outline of short TTX in this WS
Ms. Noro of ISCN/JAEA presented the brief overview of tabletop exercise (TTX) on radiological security in this workshop to be held on the second day of the Workshop.
TTX will set the scenario in a hypothetical country, and players will be given injects and discussion questions. Depending on the questions, players will role-play or represent their own countries. Players would identify the gaps in nuclear forensics capability for future improvement and interagency coordination was encouraged.

Session 4: Discussion on Safeguards Implementation

Moderator:
Mr. Arief Sasongko Adhi, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia
Presentations were delivered by Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Vietnam
Mr. Victor Siregar, ISCN/JAEA, Japan
Ms. Noro Naoko, ISCN/JAEA, Japan
Dr. Vanessa Robertson, Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO), Australia

I. Report on 2023 Survey of Export/Import Controls and AP Declaration
Mr. Siregar of ISCN/JAEA presented on 'Summary of 2023 Survey of Export/Import Controls and AP Declaration.' The Survey was conducted from 1 June to 30 July 2023 and provided the feedback from 10 FNCA member countries. He mentioned to some challenges and valuable experiences from them. Then He recommended to share the results of this survey and the practical experience including in addressing the challenges, to conduct the Additional Protocol-Commodity Identification Training (AP-CIT).

II. Report on AP-CIT training in September 2024
Ms. Noro of ISCN/JAEA presented the results of online Regional AP-CIT online in September 2024. It was organized by ISCN/JAEA, in cooperation with INSA/KINAC, meeting the training needs for commodity identification of items listed under AP Annex II showed by the 2023 survey on Export Control and AP Declaration. She shared the course contents and some comments from the participants, that showed the training course satisfied them. The training was the good practice of identifying the capacity building support needs among the FNCA members, and of sharing resources and expertise to support FNCA members: collaborative efforts of ISCN/JAEA and INSA/KINNAC.

III. Report on ASNO/IAEA Masterclass on Advanced Safeguards (June 2024) and inspector certification
Ms. Robertson reported on ASNO/IAEA Masterclass on Advanced Safeguards in Sydney, June 2024 and ASNO inspector certification. This is the inaugural masterclass which ASNO funded and managed and IAEA Department of Safeguards delivered, 13 safeguards professionals participated from Asian countries. The goal was to help participants improve implementation of safeguards obligations in their countries. It will be held annually with a different focus each time. In Australia all inspectors need to be qualified (trained) before being designated as inspectors for safety reasons. She introduced the inspector training and capability development plan.

IV. Roundtable discussion: Challenges of Safeguards Implementation in the country
Moderator:
Mr. Victor Siregar, ISCN/JAEA, Japan
Presentations were delivered by Indonesia and Kazakhstan
Mr. Arief Sasongko Adhi, BRIN, Indonesia
Mr. Andrey Syssaletin, NNC, Kazakhstan

It was planned that 4 (four) FNCA member countries (Indonesia, Philippines, Bangladesh and Kazakhstan) will provide the information of challenges that they faced in implementing safeguards in their country. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Indonesia and Kazakhstan could provide the information.

1. Indonesia
   In general, Indonesia has no significant challenges in implementing safeguards in their country. However, the research facility has difficulty to get the information from the researchers for completing the AP declarations to be submitted to the SRA.
   There are several suggestions to resolve the challenge:
   1. The research facility to request the written information from the researchers regarding their research,
   2. The research facility need to compile the information from the researchers when they propose the budget for their research.
2. Kazakhstan
   The NNC of Kazakhstan has challenge in reporting small amount of nuclear material contained in radioactive waste requested by the IAEA. They still have no information from the IAEA regarding the amount and activity of nuclear material in the radioactive waste need to be reported to the IAEA.
   The meeting proposed that NNC, Kazakhstan need to be discussed this issue with the IAEA.

Session 5: Conclusions of 2024 Coordinators Meeting and Future 3-Year Plan of Nuclear Security and Safeguards Project

Moderator:
Dr. Hori Masato, Project Leader of Japan
Outline of the NSSP, NSSP’s activities in 2023, outcomes of 2020-2023 and Action Plan 2024-2025 were reported from the Project Leaser of Japan. The plans for the NSS project for the next three years (Action Plan 2024-2025) were discussed and participants suggested topics such as drone security and nuclear forensics in the area of nuclear security and safeguards for radioactive waste and decommissioning in the area of safeguards to be included in the future activities. It was confirmed that NSSP activities will be implemented in the next and subsequent years based on the Action Plan 2024-2026 and the suggestions from the participants at this meeting.

Session 6: Country Report Summary

The compilation of the country report summary (from Sessions 1 and 2) was presented by Mr. Andrey Syssaletin (NNC). Edits and comments were received and incorporated in the country report summary. The summary is attached to this report as “Country Report Summary.” The updated Country Report Summary will be posted on the FNCA website.

Session 7: Short TTX on Radiological Security

Facilitator:
Ms. Noro Naoko, ISCN/JAEA, Japan

As a special event at the workshop, the Tabletop Exercise (TTX) on radiological security was provided with the FNCA Member States who joined the workshop. The background information on the TTX was presented by the facilitator, Ms. Noro of ISCN/JAEA. TTX used a scenario of fictitious nuclear security incident to discuss the necessary capability on security of radioactive material and identify the gaps. TTX was facilitated by Ms. Noro.
Led by the facilitator, the participants shared their national regime and practices on radiological security. Active participation during the discussions has identified important issues that should be addressed or strengthened or reinforced by the designated or responsible relevant entities in the FNCA Member States.

Session 8: Concluding Session

Dr. Hori Masato, Project Leader of Japan, concluded the workshop by providing a summary of what had been discussed and the proposals made. In his closing remarks, he expressed the appreciation to Kazakhstan for hosting the workshop for 2024. He announced that the host country and timing of the 2025 workshop will be announced later after coordination with the countries concerned.
Dr. Vladimir Vityuk, Deputy Director General for Science, NNC, affirmed the Kazakhstan’s commitment in the FNCA project of Nuclear Security and Safeguards. He encouraged collaboration among FNCA members to achieve the objectives of this project.

After the delivery of the closing remarks, the Workshop was closed.

Technical Visit

As a technical visit, we went to the Complex of Research Reactors “Baikal-1M” and other NNC facilities. We were able to make a very valuable visit.

Attachment:

1. Agenda
2. List of Participants
3. Summary of Country Reports