Strengthening Global Nuclear Security: Algeria Hosts Key Workshop on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and Inaugurates National Data Center

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | December 3rd, 2024 — In a significant step towards enhancing global nuclear security and advancing Algeria’s commitment to nuclear nonproliferation, the Minister of State for Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, Mr. Mohamed Arkab, today hosted a high-level meeting with Mr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Atomic Energy Commission in Algiers, on the sidelines of a critical workshop focused on the technologies of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) for Arabic-speaking countries.

The workshop, which runs from December 1 to 5, 2024, brings together experts and officials from around the world to discuss advancements in the monitoring technologies underpinning the CTBT’s efforts to establish a global ban on nuclear tests. In attendance were Mr. Abdelhamid Mellah, Head of the Atomic Energy Commission of Algeria, and senior officials from both the Ministry of Energy and the Atomic Energy Commission.

During the meeting, Mr. Arkab and Mr. Floyd discussed key strategies to strengthen cooperation between the Atomic Energy Commission and the CTBTO, with a particular focus on enhancing the exchange of knowledge and expertise between national data centers. This collaboration is vital for fostering technical and scientific cooperation among member states and improving the global nuclear monitoring system.

Mr. Robert Floyd, who has served as the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO Preparatory Commission since August 2021, brings decades of expertise in international security and nuclear nonproliferation. Before assuming his current role, Floyd served for more than ten years as the Director General of Australia’s Office of the Nuclear Safeguards and Non-Proliferation (ASNO). Throughout his distinguished career, he has focused on advancing initiatives aimed at creating a safer, more secure world.

In addition to the high-level discussions, Minister Arkab oversaw the inauguration of Algeria’s National Data Center for Nuclear Monitoring. This state-of-the-art facility is a critical component in Algeria’s ongoing efforts to support the CTBT’s international monitoring system and to enhance regional and global cooperation in preventing nuclear tests. The center will play a vital role in ensuring that Algeria’s contribution to nuclear nonproliferation efforts remains robust and aligned with international standards.

In his opening remarks, Minister Arkab warmly welcomed Mr. Floyd and the distinguished international guests. He acknowledged the significant progress made by the CTBTO in developing international verification systems, including the global monitoring network, which plays a central role in promoting global security. He reaffirmed Algeria’s dedication to the objectives of the CTBT, a treaty the country signed in 1996 and ratified in 2003. He further underscored Algeria’s role as a leader in the promotion of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, citing its support for establishing nuclear-weapon-free zones, including Africa’s, through the Pelindaba Treaty.

“Today’s event underscores Algeria’s continued commitment to supporting global peace and security,” said Minister Arkab. “The establishment of this National Data Center marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to strengthen international cooperation and enhance the security of the nuclear nonproliferation regime.”

Minister Arkab also highlighted Algeria’s role in hosting future training programs and workshops designed to build the technical capacity of national data centers, ensuring that countries across the region can effectively contribute to the global monitoring effort.

In conclusion, Minister Arkab expressed his gratitude to all participants and emphasized the importance of such collaborations in achieving the shared goal of nuclear security and sustainable development. He wished the delegates a productive stay in Algeria and looked forward to continued cooperation on nuclear security initiatives.

This event further solidifies Algeria’s position as a key player in the global effort to prevent nuclear proliferation and to create a world free from nuclear testing.

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