News

On 1 December, Lithuanian and U.S. experts discussed means of strengthening bilateral cooperation on nuclear safety and the fight against the smuggling of nuclear materials.

Lithuania aims to actively join global nuclear security initiatives that have been designed in order to reduce the risk of radioactive materials falling into the hands of terrorists or smugglers. These initiatives have been launched by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. Established on 13-14 April 2010 at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C., the U.S. leadership plays an especially important role in this field.

At the consultations, Lithuania and the U.S.A. confirmed the need to reduce the possibility of terrorists and criminals to get hold of nuclear material. Experts exchanged best practices of coordination between public authorities in the fight against the smuggling of radioactive materials.

In order to ensure investigation and prosecution of smuggling cases, Lithuanian and the U.S. experts exchanged information available on the prevalence, threat, and future trends associated with smuggling.

The meeting also discussed and shared practices to detect nuclear materials and to prevent, investigate and collect evidence related to these crimes. The participants also examined the use of the newest technology and identified areas for strengthening competence and closer cooperation.

The discussion showed that the U.S. and Lithuania were determined to continue the strengthening of international and regional cooperation in nuclear security.