On January 31, the President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bekhzod Yuldashev met with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Yukiya Amano, in Vienna, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan reports.

At the meeting, the IAEA Director General was informed in detail about the activities implemented in Uzbekistan on development of atomic science, including medicine, and ensuring nuclear safety. It was emphasized that taking into account the plans on building the first nuclear power plant in Central Asia, Uzbekistan will continue to firmly adhere to its international obligations in complying with all the requirements and recommendations of the IAEA on ensuring nuclear safety. Establishment of an Atomic Energy Development Agency of Uzbekistan (Uzatom), which established cooperation with the IAEA and nuclear power operators in Russia, the United States, the CIS countries, Asia and Europe, was emphasized.

The IAEA Director General expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of joint activities on ensuring and enhancing radiation and nuclear safety, as well as implementation of projects within the framework of technical cooperation. Construction of a nuclear power plant in the country will lay a solid foundation for improvement of the education system, development of nuclear engineering, construction industry and energy. Activities conducted with the population is important in terms of raising their awareness on benefits of nuclear energy.

Yukiya Amano confirmed readiness of the IAEA to continue providing technical and expert assistance to Uzbekistan, including in the process of building a nuclear power plant.

According to the Permanent Mission of Uzbekistan to the IAEA, following the meeting, the Director General of the Agency was handed an invitation to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan at a convenient time.

Source: UzA