IAEA praises Belarus’ commitment to nuclear security

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has praised the commitment of the Belarusian government to nuclear safety and security, Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Denis Flory told reporters on 2 December, BelTA has learned.

“Today we have met with First Deputy Premier of Belarus. The meeting demonstrates the strong commitment of Belarus’ government to nuclear security and nuclear safety culture. We think highly of this commitment,” Denis Flory said.

He informed that he is set to tour the Belarusian nuclear power plant on 3 December; however this will not be a fact-finding mission. “The IAEA’s role is to provide expert support to countries, in particular, during the design and construction of nuclear power plants. As far as I know, Belarus is getting ready to host fact-finding missions,” he added.

A high-level delegation on nuclear safety culture led by the IAEA Deputy Director General is on a visit to Minsk on 2-3 December. The delegation includes representatives of nuclear safety watchdogs from France, Russia, the United States, Vietnam, as well as experts of the IAEA, the Regulatory Cooperation Forum and the European Commission. The delegation will hold meetings at the Council of Ministers, the Energy Ministry and the Emergencies Ministry, and take part in the seminar for government officials involved in the implementation of the Belarusian nuclear energy program and promotion of nuclear safety culture. A seminar for specialists of the Department for Nuclear and Radiation Safety of the Emergencies Ministries will also be arranged to discuss the essence, principles and approaches to shaping nuclear safety culture. The visit of the IAEA delegation was initiated by Belarus.