Armenia Chooses Open Policy for Safe Use of Nuclear Energy: Suren Papikyan

The Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Suren Papikyan, is participating in the 63rd General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held in Vienna from September 15 to 18. During the plenary session, the minister delivered a speech, as reported by the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure.

Welcoming the conference president and delegates, the minister emphasized the importance of further expanding and deepening cooperation with the IAEA.

On behalf of the Armenian government, the minister expressed condolences over the untimely passing of IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano and highlighted his contribution not only to the development of the IAEA but also to establishing effective partnership relations with Armenia.

The minister underlined that the safe use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes has been and remains a priority for Armenia: "As a country with an operating nuclear power plant, Armenia has chosen a transparent and open policy for the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy and will continue to strengthen and implement measures to enhance and maintain nuclear and radiation safety. We highly appreciate the role and support that the IAEA consistently provides to Armenia in fulfilling our obligations towards ensuring the safety standards of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant."

Within the framework of cooperation with the IAEA, around 40 national programs have already been implemented, with an additional 7 programs currently underway. Suren Papikyan expressed hope that these programs would continue and that maximum efforts would be made to uphold the Comprehensive Action Plan.

During the working visit, the minister also met with Li Yong, Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. The minister highlighted the importance of expanding UNIDO's involvement in Armenia's sustainable development programs.

In turn, Li Yong expressed readiness to enhance participation in medium- and long-term programs, particularly in capacity development in communities, agriculture, infrastructure, and other sectors. At the end of the meeting, an agreement was reached to discuss details of joint projects in the near future.