Russian-Chinese Cooperation in Nuclear Energy Continues Successfully

According to the statement Alexander Rumiantsev, Russia's Minister of Nuclear Energy, made during a press conference on Friday, Russian-Cinese cooperation in nuclear energy was continuing successfully. Mr. Rumiantsev said a delegation of Russia's nuclear energy professionals had recently returned from China.

The minister said the delegation had visited a Russian-designed Chinese nuclear power plant now under construction, Russian equipment used. One of the two power units is nearly completed and is being equipped. The construction of the second unit continues. The minister said he was delighted with the speed the work was done. The power plant is expected to go into operation in 2004.

Mr. Rumiantsev also said, a fast reactor was being made in Russia to be sold to China, its design identical with that of the one installed at Russia's Beloyarsk nuclear plant.

The minister admitted that nuclear weapons were also discussed during the visit of the Russian delegation. Russian professionals related the experience they had gained during conversion process. Mr. Rumiantsev said that an official protocol had been prepared to summarise the results of this visit.