Hanoi (VNA) – Ambassadors and Heads of Delegation of ASEAN member states in Vienna have held a working session with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi to discuss cooperation in ensuring nuclear safety and security, promoting nuclear applications for sustainable development, and addressing several international issues of shared concern.
At the meeting on February 23, Grossi commended the effective, substantive and steadily expanding cooperation between the IAEA and ASEAN, particularly in technical cooperation, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and support for the development priorities of each member state. He emphasised that ASEAN is a dynamic region with diverse levels of development and needs, yet all members have adopted a positive and constructive approach in their cooperation with the IAEA. He affirmed the agency’s commitment to continuing its support for the bloc on the basis of respect for national priorities, strengthening regional projects, and effectively utilising flagship initiatives.
Regarding nuclear energy, Grossi noted that an increasing number of ASEAN countries have expressed interest in incorporating nuclear power into their national energy mixes, with varying roadmaps and timelines. The IAEA stands ready to assist ASEAN in training, capacity building, technical assessments, and nuclear infrastructure development, including regional training activities scheduled to commence in mid-year, he stated. He also suggested exploring a regional approach, including cooperation in supply chains, experience sharing, and studying joint project models, particularly in small modular reactor (SMR) technology, which has attracted growing interest among many countries.
For their part, ASEAN ambassadors reaffirmed the importance they attach to cooperation with the IAEA in key areas such as nuclear safety and security, response to radiological and nuclear incidents, maritime transport safety of radioactive materials, and nuclear applications in healthcare, agriculture, food security, water resources management, and climate change adaptation. ASEAN appreciated the IAEA’s role in supporting the building of the ASEAN Community towards sustainable, inclusive and resilient development goals.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang stressed that ASEAN continues to regard the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. As President of the 11th Review Conference of the NPT, Vietnam is committed to performing its coordinating role in an objective, inclusive and transparent manner, promoting dialogue and consensus, and strengthening coordination with the IAEA on issues related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technical cooperation.
Grossi pledged close coordination and support to help Vietnam fulfil its international responsibility.
Touching upon several international issues, the IAEA Director General provided updates on developments related to Iran’s nuclear issue, expressing concern over the current complex situation. He underscored that the IAEA is actively engaging in a neutral capacity to assist parties in seeking feasible solutions, avoiding the escalation of tensions and the risk of conflict.
The meeting reflected the spirit of cooperation between ASEAN and the IAEA for the goals of peace, security, safety, and sustainable development in the region and beyond, while affirming the increasingly proactive and responsible role of ASEAN in general and Vietnam in particular in major multilateral nuclear processes./.
