Amman, Oct. 25 (Petra) - Jordan’s Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) today hosted the preparatory meeting for the Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The meeting sets the stage for a comprehensive international assessment scheduled for the final quarter of next year.

In a statement released by the Commission today, Ziyad Al Saaydeh, Chairman of the EMRC Board of Commissioners, emphasized that the Kingdom's initiative to seek a comprehensive review underscores its firm commitment to ensuring the safety of nuclear and radiological applications across various sectors. The mission will evaluate Jordan’s regulatory capabilities and its national legislative and supervisory frameworks governing nuclear safety and radiological protection.

Al Saaydeh added that the anticipated findings of the mission are expected to serve as a catalyst for developing national legislation and policies, ensuring alignment with the highest international standards and best practices. This process, he noted, will significantly boost confidence in the efficiency and competence of Jordan's national regulatory system.

Mohammad Attiyat, Director of Nuclear Safety at the EMRC, explained that the IRRS mission offers a critical opportunity for an independent and objective assessment of the regulatory framework. He stressed the practical value of leveraging the international experts’ recommendations to enhance performance efficiency and strengthen compliance with established nuclear safety standards.

Ahmad Hamdan, Director of Radiological Protection, affirmed that the EMRC prioritizes rigorous follow-up on radiological protection procedures to safeguard workers, the public, and the environment alike. He highlighted that the commitment of licensed entities in the medical and industrial sectors is an integral part of the overall regulatory effort.

For their part, the IAEA experts expressed deep appreciation for the dedicated efforts by the Kingdom and the EMRC in establishing a robust regulatory framework for both nuclear safety and radiological protection. They asserted that this cooperative engagement is a successful model for integrating national and international efforts toward preserving global nuclear safety.

This preparatory meeting is part of the EMRC’s continuous drive to enhance safety in nuclear and radiological practices, deepen international collaboration, and cultivate an advanced regulatory environment that keeps pace with global developments in the field.

The meeting concluded with the signing of the Terms of Reference, which formalize the technical and logistical arrangements for the upcoming international review mission. The signing was attended by several directors and specialists from the EMRC.

//Petra// AA