Moldova and U.S. sign two cooperation agreements

Prime Minister Vlad Filat and U.S. Ambassador Asif Chaudhry Tuesday signed an agreement of cooperation in combating illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive material and an agreement of cooperation between the Customs Service of Moldova and the U.S. Department of Energy, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Premier said the two documents are of the utmost importance for strengthening the national capacities for preventing, detecting and thwarting the attempts to traffic in nuclear and other radioactive material. The joint plan of action for combating illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive material between the two governments is the result of complex preparatory works performed during a year. Under the second agreement, the U.S. Department of Energy will supply stationary and mobile equipment for detecting radiation to the Customs Service of Moldova free of charge. According to Vlad Filat, this equipment will enable to better secure the state border, including the external border of the EU. Ambassador Asif Chaudhry said that by signing the two agreements, the United States and Moldova join efforts in combating a phenomenon that is very dangerous for the security and peace in the whole world. He stated that Moldova became part of an international system for combating smuggling in nuclear and other radioactive material. According to him, the implementation of the 45 steps contained in the first agreement will significantly contribute to enhancing Moldova’s capacities in this area.