Andrei Dapkiunas. Screenshot from an iaea.org video
MINSK, 17 September (BelTA) - Belarus and the IAEA are actively developing their cooperation, Andrei Dapkiunas, the head of the Belarusian delegation, Belarus' Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, said as he addressed the 69th session of the IAEA General Conference, BelTA has learned.
“The Belarusian nuclear power plant has been successfully operating for five years now. Its importance is underscored by the fact that the plant meets two-fifths of the country's electricity needs,” Andrei Dapkiunas emphasized. “The operation of the BelNPP has enabled a reduction of annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 7 million tonnes.”
He continued: “From the very beginning of the implementation of our national nuclear energy program, we have been and remain committed to the highest standards of nuclear and radiation safety, and are open to constructive professional expert dialogue with all interested parties, including our Lithuanian neighbors. During the visit to the BelNPP, the director general and other agency officials were able to see firsthand the station's safe and efficient operation. We highly value this visit and the substantive discussions on the entire spectrum of cooperation issues held during it.”
Andrei Dapkiunas pointed out that the signing of a document on the practical foundations of cooperation between the IAEA and the Polesie State Radioecological Reserve has become symbolic ahead of the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl NPP disaster in 2026. By fully utilizing the IAEA's expert potential and support mechanisms, Belarus is ready to share its own expertise in developing nuclear energy infrastructure.
“We are convinced that only through strengthened cooperation and the impartial work of the agency is the sustainable development of peaceful nuclear energy possible,” Andrei Dapkiunas said.
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