Ambassador to Austria Ham Sang Wook (center), who is also permanent representative to the international organizations in Vienna, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi (left) on Sept. 16 greet each other at the IAEA General Assembly in the Austrian capital. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
By Yoo Yeon Gyeong
Korea will chair the annual general assembly of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sept. 16 said Ambassador to Austria Ham Sang Wook, who is concurrently permanent representative to the international organizations in Vienna, will chair the 68th edition of the event from Sept. 16-20 in the Austrian capital.
This is the first time in 35 years for Korea to chair the event since its 33rd edition in 1989.
The main topics for discussion at this conference include global security issues like North Korea’s nuclear program, nuclear energy safety and security in Ukraine, nuclear issues in Iran and the Middle East, and cooperation of AUKUS, a trilateral security partnership among Australia, the U.K. and the U.S., in nuclear-powered submarines.
In a speech to accept his position as the general assembly’s chair, Ambassador Ham said, “Based on the valuable support from the IAEA and the international community, Korea has strived to develop nuclear energy to become the world’s No. 5 nuclear power, with 26 nuclear reactors in operation.”
“Korea’s development from a recipient of an IAEA technological cooperation program to a donor nations and one of six countries to export nuclear reactors and technology clearly reflects the drastic changes in the world’s nuclear power environment.”
In Seoul, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Following Korea’s designation as chair country of the U.N. Security Council in June, we expect our appointment as chair of the IAEA General Assembly to further reinforce Korea’s contributions to and status in global peace and security.”
dusrud21@korea.kr
