On August 1, U.S. Ambassador Pamela Spratlen and Deputy Chairman of the Uzbekistan State Customs Committee Bakhtiyor Raimov met in Tashkent to discuss bilateral cooperation focused on preventing the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials. The principals signed a memorandum of understanding that will facilitate the U. S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration’s (DOE/NNSA) cooperation with the State Customs Committee focused on long-term operations and sustainment of radiation detection systems. This cooperation will further enhance the Custom’s ability to detect radioactive materials enhancing Uzbekistan’s security, promoting nuclear safety, and laying the groundwork for future cooperation. Ambassador Spratlen congratulated the State Customs Committee and noted that beyond providing additional equipment, this memorandum of understanding will allow the DOE/NNSA to provide ongoing sustainability support and share best practices. The event and signing of the memorandum of understanding are an example of further U.S.-Uzbekistan cooperation in the security sphere.
