Kazakh president, IAEA head discuss technical cooperation, nuclear power plant construction

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday discussed technical cooperation and the construction of nuclear power plants in the country with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi in the capital Astana.

“Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, welcoming the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), noted the importance of his visit for further strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and the agency,” a statement by the Kazakh presidency read.

The statement quoted Tokayev saying that Grossi’s visit to Kazakhstan is “timely” in terms of progress in the development of relations between the country and the IAEA.

“You know that work with the Agency is a priority for Kazakhstan. We are very interested and highly appreciate your activities as the head of this important structure,” Tokayev said, according to the statement.

A wide range of issues was discussed during the meeting, the statement further said, including “the strengthening of technical cooperation and the construction of nuclear power plants in our country.”

“The president stressed the leading role of the IAEA in the peaceful use of atomic energy and strengthening the nuclear safety regime,” the statement added.

For his part, Grossi thanked Tokayev for the welcome he received and highly appreciated “the role of Kazakhstan as one of the leaders and responsible participants in the process of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.”​​​​​​​

“We do a lot together in different areas. I would be very glad to exchange views with you on a wide range of issues: from health care to your future nuclear energy development program,” Grossi said, the statement quoted.​​​​​​​