Enhancing ASEAN-IAEA cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and sustainable development
WVR - On February 23, Ambassadors and Heads of ASEAN Delegations in Vienna met with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to discuss cooperation on nuclear safety and security, nuclear applications for sustainable development, as well as several international issues of mutual interest.
Latest
 |
| Cooperation between ASEAN and IAEA for the goals of peace, security, safety, and sustainable development. |
During the meeting, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi highly appreciated the effective, substantive, and increasingly expanding cooperation between IAEA and ASEAN, especially in the field of technical cooperation and the application of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, supporting the development priorities of each member country.
The Director General emphasized that ASEAN is a dynamic region with diverse levels of development and needs, yet all have a positive and constructive approach in cooperation with IAEA. He committed to continue supporting ASEAN based on respecting national priorities, enhancing regional projects, and effectively leveraging key initiatives.
Regarding nuclear energy, Director General Grossi noted that more ASEAN countries are expressing interest in incorporating nuclear power into their national energy structures, with varying timelines and speeds.
IAEA is ready to support ASEAN in training, capacity building, technical assessment, and preparing nuclear infrastructure, including regional training activities expected to commence mid-year.
He also suggested the possibility of promoting a regional approach, including supply chain cooperation, experience sharing, and exploring joint project models, particularly concerning small modular reactor (SMR) technology, which is attracting interest from many countries.
 |
| Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang at the meeting. |
For their part, ASEAN Ambassadors affirmed the importance of cooperation with IAEA in key areas such as nuclear safety and security, response to radiological and nuclear incidents, safe transport of radioactive materials by sea, as well as nuclear applications in healthcare, agriculture, food security, water resource management, and climate change adaptation.
ASEAN highly values IAEA's role in supporting the implementation of the ASEAN Community towards sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development goals.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang affirmed that ASEAN continues to regard the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a pillar of global disarmament and non-proliferation. As the Chair of the 11th NPT Review Conference, Vietnam is committed to coordinating in an objective, inclusive, transparent manner, promoting dialogue and consensus, and enhancing coordination with IAEA on matters related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technical cooperation.
Director General Grossi pledged to closely coordinate and support Vietnam in fulfilling its international responsibilities.
Discussing several international issues, Director General Grossi updated on the situation regarding Iran's nuclear issue, expressing concern over the current complex developments. He emphasized that IAEA is actively engaging in a neutral role to support parties in seeking viable solutions, avoiding escalation and the risk of conflict.
The meeting highlighted the spirit of cooperation between ASEAN and IAEA for the goals of peace, security, safety, and sustainable development in the region and globally. It also affirmed ASEAN's increasingly proactive and responsible role, particularly Vietnam's, in important multilateral nuclear processes.
(Source: Embassy of Vietnam in Austria)
