Russia and Serbia on 19 October have signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the construction of a Centre for Nuclear Science, Technology and Innovation in Serbia. In January, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Serbia, the two countries had signed a more general intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the nuclear energy, as well as the joint statement on strategic partnership on construction of the Centre for Nuclear Science, Technology and Innovation.
Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said the agreement establishes the necessary regulatory framework for preparation and signing of the first executive contracts for the centre, which will enable, among other activities, production of radioisotopes for medical, industrial and agricultural purposes; doped silicon production for various industries; composition analysis testing of minerals; ecological sampling; and specialist training to boost innovation and digital technologies. It will comprise a 20MWt multipurpose water-cooled research reactor, as well as supporting laboratories. In May, a joint statement was signed on the principles of Russian-Serbian cooperation in the field of innovation and technological development for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy during Rosatom’s annual conference, Atomexpo. In April, two Memoranda of Understanding were signed on education and training, and public acceptance of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
