Belgium wants to enhance N-ties

Friday, Nov 14, 2008

Belgium is looking towards India for exchange of information in the fields of nuclear science and water desalination, King Albert II of Belgium said on Tuesday and emphasised the need for greater collaboration in the field of science and technology between the two countries.

Speaking at a function in University of Madras, the King listed the fields that Belgium had excelled including the study of genetics besides the various achievements of his country.

He also witnessed the signing of an MoU between Karnataka University and Ghent University for establishing the Karnataka Academy of Social Sciences and Humanities (KASSH).

Later he attended a seminar on Energy and Sustainable Development, jointly organised by the Indian Nuclear Society and the University of Madras.

Delegates accompanying the Kingsaid they were looking at an increased participation from Indians in their fast reactor project (Myrrh) and in their International Thermo Nuclear Experimental Reactor.

T hey were also appreciative of the advances made in thorium research and the progress in closed fuel cycle technology. Balder Raja, director, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, spoke about the advances made in nuclear science in India and said that they were looking towards participating in collaborative work with Belgium.