ArmInfo. Within the framework of the 64th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures of Armenia Suren Papikyan met in Vienna with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
As reported by the press service of the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures, congratulating Rafael Mariano Grossi on assuming the post of IAEA Director General and wishing him fruitful work, Suren Papikyan pointed to the importance of the consistent development of cooperation between Armenia and the IAEA, as well as the implementation of the Agency's programs in the country. Touching upon the directions and prospects for the development of nuclear energy in Armenia, the Minister stressed that ensuring the energy security of Armenia is a strategic priority of the RA government. <The project to extend the life of the second power unit of the Armenian NPP is under close attention of the country's executive body. It is being implemented in strict accordance with the requirements of the regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency. "The IAEA is of particular importance for Armenia as a country that has a nuclear power plant," Minister Papikyan said. He expressed satisfaction with the measures taken for the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the framework of cooperation with the IAEA, and expressed the hope that cooperation with the organization will continue to expand in the framework of improving safety. At the same time, the minister expressed concern about the threat posed by Azerbaijan to the Armenian nuclear power plant (Azerbaijan previously announced the possibility of launching a missile strike at the nuclear power plant - ed.), Noting that Armenia considers this threat to be real.
During the meeting, the interlocutors also mentioned the ZODIAC program, developed by the IAEA, which aims to control and prevent the spread of animal viruses among people through the creation of veterinary laboratories, equipment and the use of nuclear technologies around the world. The IAEA's support in the fight against COVID-19 by providing additional equipment for the production of tests was also highly appreciated.
At the end of the meeting, Minister Papikyan invited the IAEA Director General to Armenia. Let us recall that Armenia has been a member of the IAEA since 1993. The IAEA does not exercise control over the only nuclear facility operating in the republic, but also cooperates with Armenia on issues such as nuclear medicine, nuclear agriculture, etc.