Global Security Newswire

The United States and the Republic of Malta have signed an agreement that would provide the small European nation with aid to detect and seize any trafficked nuclear or radioactive materials at a major port, the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration announced yesterday (see GSN, March 30).

The accord allows NNSA officials to collaborate with the Maltese Customs Administration and other government organizations on the island nation to set up radiation detectors and supporting equipment at the Marsaxlokk port as part of the Megaports Initiative. Maltese officials will also receive training on how to use the detectors.

"This agreement represents a major step forward in NNSA’s efforts to fulfill [U.S. President Barack Obama's] commitment to securing vulnerable nuclear material and keeping it out of the hands of terrorists and smugglers," NNSA Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator Kenneth Baker said in a statement. "Malta plays a critical role in the region’s maritime shipping and the United States appreciates its partnership in this important mission."

The Maltese agreement falls under the NNSA Second Line of Defense program, which provides material and technical support to allied government efforts to monitor their points of entry, including airports, maritime ports and border crossings. The United States intends to expand its Second Line of Defense program in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

The NNSA Megaports Initiative has set up radiation detectors at over 230 locations at 30 major ports around the world (National Nuclear Security Administration release, June 15).