Kazakhstan and France strengthen ties in nuclear sector
Kazakhstan and France have discussed the issues of developing cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, including personnel training and possible participation of French companies in the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Agency for Atomic Energy.
The issues were on agenda of a meeting between Almasadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Agency for Atomic Energy, and Sylvain Guiguet, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Kazakhstan.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between the two countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, as well as the training of specialists for the national nuclear industry.
“The importance of the meeting held on April 23, 2026, between the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mr. Bernard Fontana, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of EDF, was emphasized. It was underlined that this dialogue served as a significant signal of mutual interest in further developing cooperation between Kazakhstan and France in the nuclear energy sector. It was noted that Kazakhstan regards EDF and other French companies as key potential partners in the implementation of the nuclear power plant construction project,” a statement from the Agency reads.
The meeting also focused on training qualified personnel for the nuclear industry. The results of a joint workshop, held from May 25 to 29 at the Institute of Nuclear Physics together with France's Institut Laue-Langevin, were positively assessed.
"One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy and the International Institute of Nuclear Energy (I2EN). The document provides for cooperation in the training of specialists, the development of educational programs, the exchange of experience, and the establishment of a sustainable system for staffing Kazakhstan's nuclear industry," the agency reported.
The parties noted that the implementation of the agreements reached will contribute to strengthening the partnership between Kazakhstan and France, developing scientific and technical cooperation, and training new personnel for the nuclear energy sector.
Previously, it was reported that Kazakhstan and Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in nuclear medicine, reactor technologies, scientific research, and workforce development.
