Armenia and IAEA Establish Close Cooperation: Mirzoyan and Grossi Meet

On July 18, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Vienna. The meeting took place during the minister's working visit to Austria.

Both sides expressed satisfaction that an effective and close cooperation has been established between Armenia and the IAEA, aimed at strengthening capabilities in nuclear safety and energy in Armenia, as well as the peaceful and safe use of nuclear energy.

During the meeting, several issues from the comprehensive Armenia-IAEA agenda were discussed, and ideas were exchanged regarding projects and prospects for expanding cooperation in the sectors of energy, health, and the environment. Rafael Grossi expressed his satisfaction with Armenia's active involvement and support in IAEA initiatives, including Armenia's joining the statement on “Nuclear Energy” to be presented at the UN Climate Change Conference.

Both sides also emphasized the significance of Armenia's involvement in the IAEA's “Rays of Hope” program, aimed at achieving progress in oncology and, in particular, radiation medicine.

Addressing issues related to the IAEA's activities and the programs implemented for the safe operation of the Armenian nuclear power plant—and based on existing long-term successful experience—both parties stressed the need to keep the issue of the safe use of nuclear energy free from unfounded political manipulation.

Questions concerning the security situation in the region were also on the meeting's agenda.