Kazakhstan and IAEA Reaffirm Commitment to Expanding Cooperation in Nuclear Energy and Non-Proliferation
Vienna, The Gulf Observer: During his visit to the Austrian capital, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev held a meeting with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi, the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.
Minister Kosherbayev briefed the IAEA chief on Kazakhstan’s plans to develop its national nuclear industry, including the construction of nuclear power plants, emphasising that these efforts are central to the country’s strategic goal of achieving carbon neutrality. He highlighted that strengthening cooperation with the IAEA—particularly through expanding the contractual and legal framework—remains one of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy priorities. The Minister also underscored the Agency’s vital role in upholding the global security architecture and reinforcing the international non-proliferation regime.
Kosherbayev expressed appreciation for the IAEA’s consistent support across all areas of collaboration with Kazakhstan. He stressed the importance of further developing human capital, ensuring greater representation of Kazakh specialists in senior positions within the Agency, and advancing initiatives aimed at restoring sovereign equality among IAEA member states—an agenda Kazakhstan has actively promoted.
Director General Grossi commended Kazakhstan’s substantial contributions and initiatives in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. He highlighted the country’s progress in nuclear power development, nuclear medicine, and its successful hosting of the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Bank in Ust-Kamenogorsk. Grossi affirmed the Agency’s readiness to provide comprehensive support to Kazakhstan throughout all stages of its planned nuclear power plant project. He further proposed the development and signing of a Cooperation Roadmap to advance collaboration across additional priority areas.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing projects under the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme in Kazakhstan, which received high recognition. These projects include initiatives aimed at developing advanced nuclear technologies for cancer treatment, improving agricultural productivity, and rehabilitating the territory of the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Kazakhstan and the IAEA reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further expanding and deepening their multifaceted partnership.
It is worth noting that Kazakhstan has recently joined the IAEA Far East Regional Group, marking another step in enhancing its international engagement within the Agency.
