Synopsis
A delegation of five ambassadors from the IAEA Board of Governors visited Japan to enhance their understanding of the nation’s efforts in nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful nuclear energy applications. This visit included tours of significant sites and discussions on nuclear energy policies.Key Takeaways
- Delegation from IAEA visited Japan.
- Focus on nuclear non-proliferation.
- Site tours included Fukushima and medical universities.
- High-level discussions on peaceful nuclear energy use.
- Insights into Japan's advanced technologies in nuclear science.
Tokyo, Feb 3 (NationPress) A delegation of five ambassadors from the Permanent Missions to International Organisations in Vienna, including India's Shambhu S. Kumaran, recently traveled to Japan as part of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors to enhance their comprehension of Japan's initiatives regarding nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful applications of nuclear energy.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that the visiting IAEA Board of Governors from January 13 to 18 also comprised the Permanent Representatives of Ecuador, Indonesia, Belgium, and Colombia to the United Nations Office and other international entities in Geneva.
During their visit, the group toured the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the TEPCO Decommissioning Archives, and the disaster site of Ukedo Elementary School in Namie Town, where they received insights from relevant parties concerning the local conditions during the earthquake. They observed the safe and consistent efforts towards the ocean release of ALPS-treated water and the decommissioning of the plant, as stated by the ministry.
They also visited Fukushima Medical University, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), the Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security (ISCN), and the Naka Fusion Science and Technology Research Institute under the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST) to witness Japan's leading advancements in radiation medicine, nuclear non-proliferation technology, and nuclear fusion research.
In Tokyo, the ambassadors also had a courtesy meeting with Takuma Miyaji, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, discussing the significance of advancing the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the denuclearization of North Korea. The participating directors noted that by visiting each site during this invitation, they could directly experience the decommissioning efforts of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant managed by Tokyo Electric Power Company and the community's aspiration for recovery, thereby enriching their understanding of Japan’s ongoing endeavors and advanced technologies in the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy.
Additionally, they received commendations for their candid exchanges with experts in cutting-edge technology, considering international nuclear energy trends and policies across various nations, which was deemed profoundly significant.
The IAEA has championed the peaceful applications of nuclear energy as a primary goal and has conducted numerous technical cooperation initiatives for developing nations while fostering the use of nuclear energy in sectors like medicine, environmental conservation, and agriculture.
The agency appoints and elects 35 member states to its Board of Governors, whose ambassadors at the Permanent Mission of these nations to international organizations in Vienna function as Board members. The Board comprises designated states, advanced nuclear nations, including Japan, and elected states with two-year terms.
The objective of this invitational program, as explained by the ministry, was to deepen the global community's insight into Japan's efforts concerning peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the ocean release of ALPS treated water, decommissioning, nuclear non-proliferation, and nuclear fusion research and development. This program has been conducted nearly every year since 2008.
