Atomexpo-2019 begins in Russia’s Sochi city

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DHAKA, April 15, 2019 (BSS) – The 11th edition of the annual international
forum on nuclear energy-ATOMEXPO 2019, kicked off in the Russian resort city
of Sochi today.

Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom organised the two-day forum with
the theme “Nuclear for better life”.

Over 3,600 guests from 74 countries including Bangladesh participated in
the nuclear expo, according to a statement issued here.

Bangladesh delegation comprising officials from Ministry of Science and
Technology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, nuclear experts and
journalists, among others, took part in the forum.

Besides, Qatar, Bahrain and Nicaragua are participating for the first
time.

Russian president Vladimir Putin in a special address, published on the
Kremlin’s website, welcoming the participants hoped, “ATOMEXPO-2019 would be
held in a constructive atmosphere and contribute to resolving long-term tasks
facing the nuclear industry.”

Russia has traditionally had a powerful human, scientific and production
potential in this field, actively participating in international cooperation
and offering its partners high-quality, reliable, safe and environmentally
friendly solutions, Putin added.

At the opening ceremony, Alexey Likhachev, general director of Rosatom
State Corporation, said, “Peaceful atom is associated with all aims and goals
of UN sustainable development programme. This forum will become a space for
discussing newest technologies that will lay the basis for the future of our
planet.”

Gerassimos Thomas, deputy DG for Energy, EU_Commission said, “Nuclear is
essential to bridge the gap between the contribution of renewable and the
EU’s 2050 climate goals.”

Europe will reduce greenhouse gases by 45 percent by 2030 and by 60
percent by 2050. We need to decarbonize and that’s where I think nuclear
comes in. In all of the pathways we have examined, Europe, as a whole,
requires nuclear to cover a significant part of its electricity needs, he
added.

Last year, the forum brought together delegates and guests from 68
countries, with 39 agreements on cooperation and partnership, including
commercial deals, signed on its sidelines.