Vienna, 26 September 2022 (TDI): The Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, delivered a speech at the 66th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday.

The conference commenced on 26 September 2022 and is currently happening at the Agency’s headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The Representatives from the IAEA’s 175 Member States will be participating in the 66 General Conference.

Also Read: Iran attends 66th IEAE General Conference at Vienna

Remarks of Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia:

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, in his speech addressed quoted the Kingdom’s support for the IAEA’s initiative to modernize its laboratories.

In his speech, he said that “The Kingdom contributed 2.5 million dollars to support the agency’s initiative to modernize its laboratories, in addition to an amount of $1 million to support the Agency’s initiative in integrated action to combat zoonoses.”

Moreover, he also emphasized the importance of developing peaceful uses of nuclear technology with the highest standards of transparency, reliability, and the highest levels of safety.

“We are also working in cooperation and coordination with the Agency to develop national plans to enable nuclear energy to contribute to the national energy mix,” the Minister added.

Moreover, he added that “The Kingdom, in close contact with the Agency, is working to build programs to develop national human capabilities in the nuclear technology sector and its regulatory aspects. As a result of these programs, national capabilities have grown rapidly to keep pace with the best international standards.”

Increased importance of NPT:

the Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia also stressed the importance of concerted international efforts to implement the provisions of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

In addition to that, the Energy Minister stressed the importance of not politicizing Non-Proliferation issues, preserving the right of countries to benefit from peaceful nuclear technology, and investing in national natural resources in accordance with international treaties.

Prince Abdul Azizi Bin Salman, while highlighting the ongoing Iranian developments in the nuclear sector said that the activity “threatens peace and stability in the region and the world.” He also expressed his renewed support to the IAEA for harnessing nuclear technology to serve humanity.

Moreover, the Minister called on the international community to positively cooperate in its development and to firmly confront all attempts to unsafe and unsafe use of nuclear technologies.

Throughout the week, both the IAEA and its member states will host about 80 side events. General Conference Sessions at the Plenary Hall, including the statements of officials and delegates, will be streamed live during the whole week of the General Conference.