U.S., Cambodia Sign Deal to Deter Nuclear Smuggling

Monday, Dec. 14, 2009

The United States and Cambodia signed a pact today that is expected to provide the Southeastern Asian nation with U.S. support for efforts to prevent the smuggling of nuclear and radiological materials, the Xinhua News Agency reported (see GSN, Oct. 14).

The Megaports Initiative agreement was signed in Phnom Penh by U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia Carol Rodley and Cambodian Senior Minister Om Yen Tieng (pictured left), according to a release from the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia.

"The agreement ... paves the way for the Kingdom of Cambodia to install radiation detection equipment at the Autonomous Port of Sihanoukville," states the release.

Washington pledged to provide the detection technology, along with associated infrastructure and training for Cambodian personnel.

The Megaports Initiative is now in place at 28 seaports across the globe with additional ports expected to join (Xinhua News Agency, Dec. 14).