Strengthening cooperation
Discussions throughout Mr Grossi’s visit this week also covered nuclear safety in China and internationally. As China expands its nuclear energy programme, it will further strengthen its cooperation with the IAEA in nuclear safety. “A deep commitment to nuclear safety is essential for developing nuclear energy,” said Mr Grossi, after meeting with Mr Dong Baotong, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Administrator of the National Nuclear Safety Administration of China.
During the week, Mr Grossi met with Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang, as well as Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. Discussions were held on issues of mutual interest, including ALPS treated water, AUKUS and nuclear safety and security at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).
Earlier this month, Mr Grossi said he was continuing to engage in intense negotiations with all the involved parties to secure the protection of ZNPP. The Director General said he aimed to secure agreement on a set of principles to protect the ZNPP during the armed conflict, covering also the availability and security of external power supplies at all times.
“China has given decisive support to my efforts to protect the safety and security of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant,” Mr Grossi said, after his meeting with Mr Qin. In addition to Zaporizhzhia, IAEA experts are permanently present at Ukraine’s other NPPs – Khmelnitsky, Rivne and South Ukraine – and the Chornobyl site.
In meeting with Chairman Luo Zhaohui of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) on Wednesday, Mr Grossi reiterated the IAEA’s and China’s shared commitment towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In October 2021, the IAEA signed an agreement with CIDCA to strengthen South-South and triangular cooperation. Under the agreement, the IAEA is leveraging China’s wealth of institutional experience to assist developing countries’ efforts to achieve the SDGs. The agreement was the first of its kind for the IAEA with a national overseas development agency.
In Beijing, Mr Grossi also met with students and faculty at Tsinghua University and Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The IAEA and Peking Union, a leading medical centre in research and care in nuclear medicine and radiotherapy, will collaborate through Rays of Hope to expand access to radiotherapy in China and elsewhere, Mr Grossi said.
At Tsinghua University, Mr Grossi discussed the role of nuclear technology in addressing challenges around the world. “Nuclear technology can be part of the solution, improving health and contributing to a sustainable and carbon-free future,” he said, during his keynote speech.
