Korea will play a leading role in the international cooperation on nuclear security at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“I wish to inform the board that the Republic of Korea has offered to chair, at the ministerial level, the next IAEA Nuclear Security Conference, which will take place in December 2016,” the IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano announced.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se will serve as the chairperson of the next IAEA Nuclear Security Conference in January 2016.
IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano announces in a board meeting on Sept. 7 that Korea will be the chair country for the second IAEA Nuclear Security Conference. (Image captured from IAEA homepage)
The IAEA Nuclear Security Conference focuses on bolstering the capability of the IAEA, which plays a central role in boosting international cooperation on nuclear security. The next conference will be held at IAEA headquarters in Vienna from Dec. 5 to 9.
The foreign ministry said, “By serving as chair of the IAEA Nuclear Security Conference, Korea will make efforts to help the political momentum that was formed at the Nuclear Security Summit to take root systemically across the IAEA. We will also strive to strengthen the central role of the IAEA in the nuclear security sector.”
“Korea will also act as the chair of the Nuclear Suppliers Group in 2016 and 2017, as well as the chair of the IAEA Nuclear Security Conference. With these acts, we will be able to contribute greatly to bolstering the international nuclear non-proliferation structure and to respond to security issues,” the ministry added.
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
arete@korea.kr
