Kazakhstan and Spain are stepping up cooperation in nuclear safety as the Central Asian nation advances plans to develop its civilian nuclear energy sector.

Kazakh Ambassador to Spain Danat Mussayev met with Juan Carlos Lentijo, President of the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation on nuclear safety and strengthening coordination on international nuclear issues, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

During the meeting, Mussayev outlined Kazakhstan's strategy for developing its national nuclear industry and presented the outcome of the country's recent referendum supporting the construction of its first nuclear power plant.

The ambassador emphasized that nuclear energy is expected to play a key role in Kazakhstan's long-term energy security, while also driving scientific and technological innovation, workforce development, and industrial growth.

Kazakhstan also reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, principles that have shaped the country's international nuclear policy for decades.

The two sides discussed closer cooperation within the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and explored opportunities to coordinate efforts on global nuclear safety and governance.

The talks unveiled significant potential for new partnerships between Kazakhstan's and Spain's nuclear institutions as both countries seek to deepen collaboration in the field. The meeting comes as Kazakhstan continues expanding its clean energy portfolio.