On January 6th, 2021, the US NRC Radiation Source Regulatory Partnership Program (RSRP) met virtually with the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Agency of Tajikistan (NRSA) and its technical support organization (TSO) to discuss and identify NRSA’s areas for further collaboration under the RSRP. Meeting attendees included NRSA Chairman Ilhom Mirsaidzoda, his Deputy, the TSO Director, other senior NRSA and TSO staff members, US NRC staff, and AdSTM representatives.
Chairman Mirsaidzoda provided a broad overview of NRSA challenges and activities since the last RSRP Regional Meeting for Former Soviet Union countries in September 2019. Discussion was held on NRSA’s broader international cooperation and its priorities for future engagement under the RSRP. NRSA expressed interest in several areas of cooperation including: continuing to update its National Register of radiation sources; remote upgrade of its version of the Advance Regulatory Information System (ARIS), updates to its regulatory framework; and training for its new staff members. The US NRC and AdSTM will continue to consult with NRSA about appropriate assistance for the activities discussed during the meeting.