IAEA new chief values Kuwait ‘significant’ role and support

We’ll continue to boost ties: Grossi

By Abdulwahab Al-Qayed VIENNA, Oct 31, (KUNA): New-elected Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi of Argentina affirmed on Thursday keenness to continue boosting ties with Kuwait due to its significant role in the agency.

Kuwait, as a member of IAEA Board of Governors, plays a very distinctive role inside this international organization, sharing the responsibility, alongside 35 other member-countries, in drafting the agency’s policies and making necessary decisions on various nuclear affair issues, Grossi told KUNA.

“I would be working on finding out and meeting Kuwait’s needs and aspirations,” the IAEA chief affirmed, pointing out his long and great friendship with Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to IAEA Ambassador Sadeq Marafi would benefit the two sides; Kuwait and IAEA.

It would also reflect positively on the agency’s future action in terms of meeting the needs of member-states and investing nuclear energy for various peaceful purposes, he added.

Grossi expressed his sincere appreciation of Kuwait’s support, alongside majority of board of governors, in electing him for the IAEA director-general post.

On future IAEA plans, the new director-general mentioned an intention to make the international agency more dynamic and transparent in its dealings with member-states, as well as a step to boost women contributions inside it.

For the next four years, IAEA would focus on guaranteeing nuclear safety and security “since it is a vital issue” for member-states, Grossi mentioned, affirming his keenness to back the agency’s various activities and projects in developing countries, and strengthen peaceful uses of nuclear energy.