About ARASIA

Empowering Regional Cooperation

Co-operative Agreement for Arab States in Asia for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology

About Arasia

The Agreement

The Cooperative Agreement for Arab States in Asia for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (ARASIA) was established in 2002 under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). ARASIA promotes regional cooperation among Arab countries in Asia to advance the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.

Through joint projects, capacity-building initiatives, and knowledge exchange, ARASIA supports sustainable development in key thematic areas including food and agriculture, health and nutrition, environmental protection, sustainable energy, nuclear science and technology, radiation and waste safety.

By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, ARASIA strengthens national capabilities and enhances regional self-reliance in applying nuclear technologies for socio-economic development.

The IAEA Board of Governors adopted the Agreement on 12.06.2002 (GOV/INF/2002/10), and the Agreement entered into force on 29.07.2002 (INFCIRC/613/Add.1). It is extended for additional period of six years effective 29 July 2008.

Dr. Bilal NSOULI
Dr. Bilal NSOULI
ARASIA Chairman

Message from the Chair

ARASIA is a unique cooperation platform between Arab States in Asia which promotes the use of nuclear technologies for understanding, addressing and resolving common challenges of the region in strategic areas, in line with the UN sustainable development goals.

Close collaboration with the IAEA along with its assistance and expertise, through Technical Cooperation Programme, facilitates this endeavour, and is a pre-requisite for ARASIA State Parties to advance in areas such as human health, environmental protection, food and agriculture, water management, as well as cultural heritage, characterization and preservation.

The diversity and complementarity of skills and expertise within the region make ARASIA an engine for the promotion of technical cooperation among developing countries as well as for triangular cooperation where the IAEA is involved.

Regional Resource Centers have been recently designated by the ARASIA Board of representatives to assist in the implementation of the ARASIA program.

Our Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission

ARASIA strives to deliver innovative nuclear-based solutions that enhance prosperity, resilience, and quality of life throughout the Arab States in Asia. Guided by a shared vision of regional cooperation, ARASIA works to advance research, development, and training that support economic growth, social welfare, and environmental sustainability.

Our Vision

ARASIA to be acknowledged as the leading cooperative framework for promoting the safe, secure, and sustainable peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology across the Arab States in Asia.

Our Values

ARASIA is committed to regional cooperation, excellence in nuclear science, sustainability in development, innovation in research, partnership with member states and the IAEA, and capacity building for future generations.

Governance - Arasia Board of Representatives

The ARASIA Board of Representatives (ABR) is the highest decision-making body of the ARASIA Agreement. Comprising a national representative from each Member State, the ABR provides strategic direction, approves cooperative projects, and oversees their implementation. It ensures that ARASIA's policies and activities are effectively managed, aligned with regional priorities, and conducted in accordance with the Agreement. The ABR convenes twice a year during the Regional ABR Meeting in one of the ARASIA Member States and the IAEA General Conference Meeting in September at the IAEA headquarters.

States Party

Click on any country card below to view detailed information about its ARASIA National Representative.

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The Republic of Iraq
Mr Murtadha Adhab Sayah Bani-Saeed
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The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Sajeda A. Alnsour
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The State of Kuwait
Ms Habibah S A S Al-Menai
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The Republic of Lebanon
Mr. Bilal NSOULI
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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
HE Mr Fahad Sulaiman S Alsayyari
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Syria Flag
The Syrian Arab Republic
Dr. Mudar Alokla & Mrs. Dalia Daghoz
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The United Arab Emirates
Mr. Raoul Awad
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The Republic of Yemen
Dr. Abdullah Ahmed Al-Shami
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The Sultanate of Oman
Prof. Hadj Slimane Cherif
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The State of Qatar
Ms. Muna Mohsin Al-Yahri
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Our Timeline

Explore the journey of ARASIA from its establishment to the present day. This timeline highlights key milestones, achievements, and the evolution of regional cooperation in nuclear science and technology across the Arab States in Asia.

2002-2012

Chairmanship with Syria

Dr

    Prof. Ibrahim Othman
    Director General
  Chairman of ARASIA 2002-2012

The cooperation between Arab countries in West Asia in the scientific research and the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology contributes in supporting valuable economic and social development in these countries in light of their similarities and common challenges.

2012-2022

Chairmanship with Lebanon

Dr

    Dr. Bilal Nsouli
    
  Chairman of ARASIA 2012-2022

ARASIA has all the key ingredients allowing it as a regional agreement to contribute efficiently to the socio-economic development of the region with the safe use of nuclear technology.

2012

2014

Adoption of ARASIA Guidelines and Operating Rules

2015

Adoption of ARASIA Medium Term Strategy (2015-2022)

2017

Establishment of ARASIA Programme Committee

2017

(2002-2017) Ten states parties joined ARASIA (Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen)

2017

Adoption of ARASIA open-ended agreement

2018

Designation of two ARASIA Regional Resource Centers in Nuclear Medicine

2019

Designation of three ARASIA SSDLs as Regional Resource Centers

2022

(2017-2022) six state parties joined the new agreement (Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria)

2022

Election of Lebanon for chairmanship of ARASIA (2022-2026)

2022

Establishment of ARASIA fund