Expert’s visit heralds the country’s entry into nuclear energy realm

Santo Domingo.- The Energy and Mines Ministry’s NuclearEnergy Dept. on Monday brought International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expertDazhu Yang to the country to meet with technical cooperation counterparts inDominican Republic projects.

Deputy minister Maria de los Angeles Peña stressed theimportance of some 30 technical cooperation projects and emergency aid from theIAEA to the country, and her agency work to achieve a nuclear regulatory package,including new legislation.

She said the IAEA assistance includes Dominican Republic’s presenceat meetings of the Latin America area ??on the zika crisis to seek jointsolutions.

The official said the country needs to develop nuclearpower capabilities to deal with health epidemics and natural disasters.

"It would be great if we as a country are ready forthe early detection of diseases. Our great challenge in the area of ??health isworking to provide an opportunity to ensure the poorest population’s access toquality health and this certainly is closely linked to nuclear medicine forcases of such serious diseases as cancer,” Peña said.

On Monday afternoon Yang will visit the nuclear material storagesite at Sierra Prieta, managed by the Nuclear Energy Dept. on Tuesday to meet withHouse of Nations representatives, and with of Economy minister Temistocles Montas;among other activities.