TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 12. A mission of
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is preparing to visit
Uzbekistan in the second half of 2026 to review the progress of the
country’s nuclear power plant construction, Trend reports citing the
press service of Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency.
The announcement was made during a meeting between Director of
Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency Azim Akhmedkhadjaev and IAEA
Director General Rafael Grossi.
During the meeting, the sides noted the steady development of
cooperation and progress in implementing the joint roadmap aimed at
deepening collaboration.
Rafael Grossi positively assessed Uzbekistan’s efforts to
develop its national nuclear infrastructure, as well as the
country’s consistent approach to advancing nuclear energy in line
with international standards and IAEA recommendations.
He also highlighted the reforms carried out under the leadership
of Uzbekistan’s president, which have created the necessary
conditions for this work.
The parties also discussed the practical stage of the project,
including the upcoming start of first concrete works at the site of
the country’s first nuclear power plant in the Farish district of
the Jizzakh region.
Furthermore, Rafael Grossi emphasized the significance of the
project and its distinctive feature — the planned integration of
large and small reactor units within a single complex.
Following the meeting, the IAEA Director General confirmed the
agency’s readiness to continue supporting the implementation of
Uzbekistan’s nuclear program and accepted an invitation to take
part in the ceremony marking the start of the first concrete
works.
At the end of the meeting, the sides also expressed mutual
interest in increasing the number of Uzbek specialists working
within the IAEA Secretariat.
