Global Security Newswire

Slovakian and U.S. officials on Monday met to talk over strategies for enhancing bilateral efforts to prevent smuggling of nuclear materials, the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava announced (see GSN, Feb. 17, 2010).

The meeting in the Slovakian capital fell under the scope of the U.S. State Department's Nuclear Smuggling Outreach Initiative. The two sides exchanged information on valuable methods for "coordinating a whole-of-government response to nuclear and radiological smuggling incidents," according to an embassy press release. "In order to better investigate and prosecute smugglers, both sides shared information on current smuggling threats and trends."

Also covered were "best practices in the areas of nuclear detection, nuclear forensics, law enforcement, and the development of new technologies," the release states. In addition, participants at the talks discussed opportunities for further training and collaboration.

Both nations recommitted themselves to ensuring criminal organizations and violent extremists are unable to access nuclear material (U.S. Embassy in Slovakia release, Sept. 26).