Vienna, September 2025 – On the sidelines of the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a ceremony was held to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) and the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR). The event was attended by H.E. Azzeddine Farhane, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the International Organizations in Vienna. This renewal reaffirms both institutions’ commitment to strengthening their cooperation in the field of nuclear security.

Originally signed in May 2018 for a period of five years, the MoU has now been renewed for another five years. It covers a wide range of cooperation areas, including the exchange of experts and researchers, provision of equipment and technical support, organization of training courses, workshops, and joint exercises, as well as support for regional cooperation in the Middle East, North Africa, and across the African continent. The MoU also addresses vital areas such as physical protection against theft and sabotage, nuclear material accounting and control, cybersecurity, strengthening nuclear security culture, and preparedness and response to incidents.

Since its first signing, AMSSNuR has organized more than 30 workshops in Rabat and other Moroccan cities, benefiting over 400 specialists from facility operators, regulatory authorities, and relevant organizations. The U.S. side has contributed to establishing the national physical protection system at four facilities containing category I radioactive sources, reviewing laws and guidance related to the security of radioactive sources and safeguards, and implementing a national system for nuclear material accounting and measurement. Cooperation has also included the provision of detection equipment and the enhancement of Morocco’s national nuclear security capacities.

In the coming months, several activities are planned under this MoU, including a national workshop on developing regulatory requirements for cybersecurity (22–26 September 2025), a regional workshop on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to mitigate insider threats (20–24 October 2025), and a pilot international training course on incident response (3–7 November 2025).

This renewal reflects the shared determination of NNSA and AMSSNuR to continue their joint efforts to counter illicit acts targeting nuclear materials and to strengthen the nuclear security framework at the national, regional, and international levels.