UAE Foreign Minister, IAEA Chief Discuss Regional Security and Protection of Civilian Nuclear Facilities
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, met with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in Abu Dhabi to discuss regional security developments and cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the repercussions of what the UAE described as unprovoked terrorist attacks carried out by Iran against civilian sites and facilities in the country using missiles and drones. They discussed the threats such attacks pose to regional peace and stability, as well as their potential impact on international maritime navigation, energy supplies, and the global economy.
The discussions also covered drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory against the UAE, including an attack targeting the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. According to officials, the attack struck an electricity generator located outside the plant’s inner perimeter. No casualties were reported, and there was no impact on radiation safety levels or nuclear operations.
Sheikh Abdullah strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a serious violation of international law. He emphasized the importance of protecting civilian facilities and critical infrastructure and called for adherence to international legal principles and norms.
The meeting also reviewed the longstanding cooperation between the UAE and the IAEA and explored opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in support of the peaceful use of nuclear energy in line with the highest international standards of safety, security, and non-proliferation.
Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the IAEA and supporting the agency’s role in promoting nuclear safety and security at both regional and international levels.
For his part, Grossi commended the close partnership between the UAE and the IAEA and praised the country’s commitment to maintaining high standards of transparency, nuclear safety, and security. He also underscored the importance of safeguarding civilian nuclear facilities from threats and hostile acts to preserve international peace and stability.
The meeting was attended by Abdullah Ahmed Balalaa and Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and its group of companies.
