It is a sincere acknowledgement to Hungarian nuclear energy experts and to the industry that they can participate in the Saudi nuclear energy programme, said Mr. Miklós Seszták, Minister for National Development, at the signing of the cooperation agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy between Hungary and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh, on 19th October 2015.

The Minister underlined in his speech that the basis for the nuclear industry of a country lies within qualified human workforce. Hungary has put a great emphasis on providing professional assistance to countries wishing to implement nuclear energy for years, which primarily means the sharing of operational experience of 30 years and the educational, research and development practice of 50 years – Mr. Seszták explained.

The fact that Hungary has an international professional reputation is underpinned by the fact that in 2012, Saudi Arabia initiated cooperation in the field of nuclear energy not only with such global supplier countries with significant nuclear industries as France, China, South Korea and the Russian Federation, but with Hungary as well. The now signed agreement ensures the possibility of sharing scientific and technical information, patents, technologies related to nuclear energy, exchanging researchers, engineers, technical professionals, organising training programmes, joint research groups and providing technical assistance.

The agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an important milestone of the 2011 Eastward Opening strategy, stimulating the maintenance of macroeconomic stability and economic growth and it may open the gates towards the cooperation in several new fields.

At the visit, MVM OVIT Zrt. signed an agreement on the establishment of a joint venture with the Saudi Arabian International Company involved in the production of steel structures. The cooperation allows companies to participate in local tenders aiming at the construction of power lines and electrical substations and, in case of successful tendering, to realise the awarded project in the Kingdom as chief contractors.

(Ministry for National Development)