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ISLAMABAD – In a major diplomatic achievement at global level Pakistan has been elected to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors for 2021-2023.
“The 65th General Conference of the IAEA has elected Pakistan by acclamation to serve on the IAEA’s Board of Governors for the term 2021-2023”, Pakistan Permanent Envoy to IAEA Ambassador Aftab Khokhat told The Nation on phone.
Ambassador Aftab Khokhar along with Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Muhammad Naeem attended the annual 65th general conference of the global nuclear watchdog.
Ambassador Khokhar said Pakistan’s election to the IAEA’s Board of Governors is recognition of the country’s contribution to the promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear technology in a safe and secure manner, as well as its commitment to the global objective of nuclear non-proliferation. Comprising 35 members, the IAEA Board of Governors is one of the two highest policy-making organs of the IAEA, along with the annual General Conference.
The IAEA board of governors considers applications for membership, approves safeguards agreements and the publication of the IAEA’s safety standards.
Ambassador Khokhar said Pakistan is one of the founding members of the IAEA and has had a regular presence at its Board of Governors over the years.
Earlier Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Mr. Muhammad Naeem, who is leading Pakistan’s delegation to the 65th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), met Director General IAEA Rafael Mariano Grossi.
Ambassador Khokher also participated in the meeting. The Chairman PAEC and Director General Grossi reviewed the ongoing collaboration between Pakistan and the IAEA. Director General Grossi said that “impeccable collaboration between Pakistan and the Agency will continue to grow”.
The Chairman PAEC apprised the Director General about Pakistan’s recent accomplishments in expanding the use of nuclear technologies in the fields of power generation, health, agriculture and industry.
He assured the DG IAEA of Pakistan’s support to the Agency’s latest initiatives to combat outbreaks of zoonotic diseases and plastic pollution, namely ZODIAC and NUTEC Plastics, respectively. Director General Grossi appreciated Pakistan’s financial support to Agency’s ReNuAL 2 project for modernisation of the IAEA’s nuclear application laboratories in Seibersdorf, Austria.