BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 21. Uzbekistan and
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) discussed
strengthening cooperation on nuclear safeguards, nuclear material
accounting and reporting requirements during the IAEA’s 70th
General Conference on Sept. 16.


This was reflected in the statement by the Uzbekistan’s
Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety, following a
meeting held between senior officials of Uzbekistan’s Committee for
Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety and Massimo Aparo, IAEA
deputy director general and head of the Department of
Safeguards.


The sides reviewed Uzbekistan’s implementation of its
international obligations under the Comprehensive Safeguards
Agreement and Additional Protocol, which form part of the country’s
safeguards commitments with the IAEA.


The discussions also covered measures to further strengthen
cooperation between Uzbekistan and the agency, improve the
country’s system for accounting for and controlling nuclear
material, and streamline reporting procedures.


Particular attention was given to improving the efficiency of
nuclear material accounting and control systems and ensuring that
relevant information is reported to the IAEA in accordance with
Uzbekistan’s international commitments.


The sides also discussed professional development for
specialists working in the nuclear and radiation safety sector,
including opportunities to strengthen their qualifications and
technical expertise.







“Uzbekistan and the IAEA discussed the implementation of
international obligations under the Safeguards Agreement and
Additional Protocol, as well as ways to further strengthen
cooperation in nuclear material accounting and control,” the Uzbek
committee said.


The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 70th session of the
IAEA General Conference, which brings together representatives of
IAEA member states to discuss nuclear energy, safety, security and
safeguards.


Following the talks, Uzbekistan and the IAEA agreed to further
expand cooperation in the areas discussed, including safeguards
implementation, nuclear material accounting and control, reporting
and professional training.


The meeting underscores Uzbekistan’s continued engagement with
the IAEA on the implementation of its international safeguards
commitments and the development of national nuclear and radiation
safety capabilities.