BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Minister of Energy and Mines Mohamed Arkab Receives CNNC President to Accelerate Radioisotope Production Project
Algiers, Algeria | April 26th, 2025 — In a move to bolster Algeria’s health and energy sectors, the Minister of State, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, Mr. Mohamed Arkab, received on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the headquarters of his ministry, Mr. Wang Yongge, President and CEO of the China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas (CNNC). The meeting was attended by Mr. Noureddine Yassa, Secretary of State for Renewable Energies, Mr. Abdelhamid Mellah, Commissioner of Atomic Energy (COMENA), along with senior officials from both sides.
The discussions focused on reviewing and strengthening the ongoing cooperation between Algeria’s Atomic Energy Commission (COMENA) and the CNNC, particularly in the peaceful applications of nuclear energy and its use in the medical field. Both parties explored future avenues for the development of this collaboration, emphasizing its strategic importance.
A key highlight of the meeting was the evaluation of the progress achieved by the specialized joint task force, previously established to oversee the preparation and implementation of a strategic project for the production of radioisotopes in Algeria. This project holds vital significance for the national healthcare sector, particularly in the fields of medical diagnostics and radiotherapy treatments for diseases such as cancer.
The meeting delved into practical scenarios for the local production of radioisotopes, underscoring the necessity of integrating Algerian national expertise, enhancing research and development efforts, and guaranteeing Algeria’s health security. Furthermore, the discussions highlighted the potential for Algeria to become a regional and international exporter of radioisotope products.
Both parties also explored opportunities for broadening their partnership into other domains, including knowledge transfer, specialized training programs, technological cooperation, and the sharing of cutting-edge scientific advancements in the nuclear industry.
Expressing the CNNC’s full commitment to supporting Algeria’s ambitions, Mr. Wang Yongge praised the country’s robust infrastructure, highly qualified human resources, and the strong political will driving Algeria’s peaceful nuclear development.
For his part, Mr. Mohamed Arkab welcomed the deepening of Algerian-Chinese cooperation, expressing satisfaction with the progress achieved so far. He stressed the importance of redoubling efforts to fast-track the realization of the radioisotope production project, given its direct and transformative impact on enhancing the national healthcare system and supporting Algeria’s scientific and economic development goals.
