Belarusian delegation to participate in 65th session of IAEA General Conference

MINSK, 17 September (BelTA) – A Belarusian delegation led by Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich will take part in the 65th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is scheduled to take place in the IAEA HQ in Vienna, Austria on 20-24 September, the Belarusian Energy Ministry press service told BelTA.

The agenda of the plenary session of the 65th General Conference includes matters concerning nuclear and radiation safety, nuclear security, measures being taken to fight COVID-19, possibilities for stepping up the IAEA's work in the area of technical cooperation. The application of IAEA safeguards will also be discussed as well as prospects of expanding the usage of achievements of nuclear science and technologies.

The head of the Belarusian delegation – Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich – is expected to make a speech during the plenary session. The official will also participate in the opening of a Belarusian exposition where information will be presented about Belarus' accomplishments in the sphere of nuclear energy, about the implementation of the Belarusian nuclear power plant construction project, and about the development of the social and economic infrastructure in the nuclear industry town of Ostrovets.

Apart from that, Viktor Karankevich is expected to meet with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. The Belarusian energy minister will also hold a number of bilateral meetings with heads of other delegations on the sidelines of the session.

Belarus interacts with the International Atomic Energy Agency across the entire spectrum of the agency's work. Interaction with the International Atomic Energy Agency in matters concerning the implementation of the national nuclear energy program and the development of the infrastructure of nuclear energy industry and nuclear safety plays a special role. The invitation of evaluation missions and consultation missions to Belarus is a special component in interaction with the IAEA. In 2012-2021 Belarus hosted all the key missions the International Atomic Energy Agency recommends for the countries that are building their first nuclear power plant.