In January, NNSA Principal Deputy Administrator Frank Rose visited Europe, where he met with senior officials to discuss nuclear and radiological security, emergency preparedness and response, nuclear nonproliferation, and cooperative support.
National Nuclear Security Administration
February 7, 2023
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In January, NNSA Principal Deputy Administrator Frank Rose visited Finland and Poland, where he met with senior officials to discuss nuclear and radiological security, emergency preparedness and response, nuclear nonproliferation, and cooperative support for Ukraine. He also visited the U.S. European and Africa Commands in Germany.
Rose thanked the Finnish and Polish government officials for their strong partnership on nuclear security matters in Europe, as well as their support to Ukraine.
In Finland, Rose met with senior officials from Finland’s Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation between NNSA and Finland. He also stressed U.S. support for Finland’s rapid entry into NATO.
“NNSA looks forward to continued robust cooperation and coordination on nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear security issues,” Rose said. “In these areas – as in many others – Finland is a true partner to the United States.”
The Finnish Institute for International Affairs hosted Rose for a roundtable dialogue to discuss NNSA’s cooperation with Finland, outcomes from the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review, nonproliferation issues, the future of arms control, and support to Ukraine.
Rose met with Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority’s (STUK) Director General Petteri Tiippana to sign a Memorandum of Understanding committing to strengthening cooperation on nonproliferation, nuclear and radiological security, and emergency preparedness and response. They discussed the strong partnership between NNSA and STUK and opportunities for expanded collaboration. Rose also toured STUK’s laboratories and operations center.
The Principal Deputy Administrator also met with U.S. Ambassador to Finland Douglas Hickey to discuss nuclear and radiological security, border security, and Finland’s support to Ukraine.
In Poland, Rose met with counterparts from Poland’s Ministry of Climate and Environment and National Atomic Energy Agency to discuss joint cooperation in response to Russia’s unjustified war against Ukraine, and energy and nuclear security issues. Poland has a long and close partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and NNSA in the areas of nonproliferation, nuclear and radiological security, and counter nuclear smuggling. Cooperation has included security enhancements, trainings, workshops, and exercises.
“The partnership between the United States and Poland is robust, and both countries bring significant expertise to address shared concerns,” Rose said. “The United States and Poland continue to cooperate in the area of civil nuclear energy, and this will only grow stronger going forward.”
Rose met with Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Border Guard, Maj. Gen. Tomasz Praga, to discuss upcoming cooperation on nuclear forensics to support analysis of interdicted materials. NNSA has partnered with the Polish Border Guard since 2009 to deploy radiation detection systems at border guard crossings.
The Principal Deputy Administrator also met with U.S. Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski to discuss the importance of the two nations’ ongoing cooperation on nuclear security, emergency preparedness and response, and nonproliferation. The conversation highlighted the recent successful meetings to collaborate on nuclear security as Poland develops its nuclear power program.
In Germany, Rose visited U.S. European Command Headquarters (EUCOM), where he met with U.S. leaders to discuss ongoing cooperation in the region, and specifically the close collaboration and support in responding to the war in Ukraine.
“NNSA and EUCOM are playing important roles in reducing nuclear and radiological dangers resulting from Russia’s war against Ukraine,” Rose said. “Our continued cooperation with our allies and partners in the region remains critical to defend against nuclear threats.”
He also visited U.S. Africa Command Headquarters (AFRICOM), where he spoke at a roundtable hosted by Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler, AFRICOM Chief of Staff. Rose and key U.S. Army and AFRICOM leaders discussed current initiatives in Africa and the synchronization of NNSA’s activities and capabilities with AFRICOM’s campaign objectives in support of African energy security, stability, and prosperity.