Global Security Newswire

Vietnamese authorities are set to participate this week in a pair of U.S.-sponsored workshops aimed at readying attendees to handle nuclear or radiological crises, the National Nuclear Security Administration said on Tuesday.

NNSA personnel and other Energy Department officials are expected to administer the classes, which would take place under the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety.

Thirty individuals from 10 groups are expected to take part in one of the classes, titled "International Radiological Assistance Program Training for Emergency Response." The second course -- "International Medical Management of Radiation Injuries" -- is expected to include five dozen participants from 18 Vietnamese health offices.

“I commend Vietnam on its approach to establishing a nuclear/radiological emergency management program while developing its new nuclear power program,” NNSA Associate Administrator Joseph Krol said in a written statement. “I applaud the positive progress that VARANS [Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety] has made to date in establishing an effective program within VARANS and Vietnam. NNSA is pleased to be asked to provide technical assistance to Vietnam in the development of its program.”