Maldives joining UN’s Atomic Energy Agency for cancer hospital development gets committee approval
The Foreign Relations Committee of the Parliament has approved the Maldives' decision to join the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), paving the way for the country to benefit from international nuclear cooperation.
The move, initially announced by the government on September 1, is aimed at securing the resources needed for the development of a cancer hospital in the Maldives.
Finance Minister Moosa Zameer first revealed the plan during a press conference when he was Foreign Minister, explaining that the Maldives' participation in the IAEA will facilitate access to vital medications and equipment for the hospital.
The IAEA’s expertise is seen as critical for the procurement and management of advanced medical technologies, as well as the safe disposal of related waste.
There is a great need for the assistance of the Atomic Agency in modern medicine. It is the procurement of some equipment and its waste management. These things are included in the IAEA's management,
He said
With this decision, the Maldives will join 178 other member states in the IAEA, leaving Bhutan as the only country in the region that has yet to become a member.
The agency is widely recognized as the UN's “Atoms for Peace and Development” organization, working to ensure the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies globally.
At today’s meeting of the Foreign Relations Committee, Mahchangoalhee North MP Ibrahim Muhammad stressed the need for the Maldives to join the IAEA, highlighting the relevance of nuclear technology in today’s world.
Guraidhoo MP Hanan Mohamed Rasheed moved to approve the country's participation in the agency, with Maafannu South MP Abdulla Rifau’ seconding the motion.
The committee unanimously approved the decision.
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