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Rose then met with the Secretary-General of the Thai Office of Atoms for Peace (OAP), Dr. Pasit Lorterapong, to discuss the importance of nuclear safety and security. Rose and Lorterapong discussed the need for broader regional cooperation among ASEAN states in nuclear safety. Lorterapong and OAP offered to bolster the commitment to nuclear safety across the region by working to get all ASEAN states to sign onto existing comprehensive safeguard agreements established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Rose also offered to aid the OAP in its efforts to educate the public on the benefits of nuclear energy in achieving climate change goal.
Rose concluded his visit to Thailand by meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he discussed efforts to combat nuclear smuggling by enhancing detection and deterrence capabilities. Rose also proposed expanded cooperation with the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Royal Thai police to strengthen deterrence of nuclear smuggling.
“We are grateful for our robust partnership with Thailand,” stated Rose. “Our mutual commitment to nuclear security results in concrete action towards our shared goals in many different dimensions.”
On February 20 Rose conducted bilateral meetings in Singapore, starting with Stanley Loh, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment. Rose expressed strong appreciation for Singapore’s continued commitment to nuclear security, as the nation has implemented the highest standard of IAEA safeguards since 2008. Loh expressed strong eagerness about finalizing a 123 agreement with the United States to help Singapore explore safe nuclear power generation as part of a clean energy mix. In pursuit of this bilateral relationship, Rose and Loh discussed possible NNSA training for Singapore on regulation development, security, and public engagement.