2024-09-13 06:52:39
Within the framework of the 64th session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, RA Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Suren Papikyan met with IAEA General Director Rafael Mariano Grossi. This was reported on the Facebook page of the ministry.
Congratulating on the assumption of the position of the General Director of the IAEA and wishing him a fruitful activity, Minister Papikyan emphasized the further development of the cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the IAEA, as well as ensuring the continuity of the programs implemented by the IAEA in Armenia.
Referring to the directions and perspectives of the development of atomic energy in Armenia, Papikyan emphasized that ensuring the energy security of Armenia as a strategic priority for the Government of the Republic of Armenia is fixed in the Security Strategy of the Republic of Armenia.
“The program to extend the design operation period of the Armenian nuclear power plant is under the strict attention of the RA government and is being carried out in strict compliance with the requirements and regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The International Atomic Energy Agency is of particular importance for Armenia, as a country operating a nuclear power plant,” the minister noted.
He expressed his satisfaction with the measures aimed at the peaceful use of nuclear energy within the framework of cooperation with the IAEA and expressed hope that the cooperation with the organization will be expanded within the framework of security enhancement activities.
At the same time, Minister Papikyan expressed concern about the threat issued by Azerbaijan to the Armenian NPP, noting that Armenia views it as a credible threat.
During the meeting, the interlocutors also referred to the “ZODIAC” program being developed by the IAEA, the aim of which is to control and prevent the spread of viruses of animal origin among people through the creation, re-equipment and use of nuclear technologies of veterinary laboratories all over the world.
The support of the IAEA in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic through the provision of an RT-PCR device and additional equipment was also highly appreciated.
At the end of the meeting, Minister Papikyan invited the General Director of IAEA Grossi to Armenia.