Ready to welcome IAEA missions
Belarus’ Energy Minister, Viktor Karankevich, has met with the IAEA Director General, Rafael Grossi, as part of the 65th session of the EAEA General Conference to discuss prospects for bilateral co-operation – as reported by the Energy Ministry
Viktor Karankevich informed Raphael Grossi on the progress of work at the Belarusian nuclear power plant, adding that its safety and openness remain unconditional priorities for Belarus at all stages of the project implementation.
As informed by the Energy Ministry, Belarus has conducted all IAEA missions recommended for the countries that are building their first nuclear power plants. The recommendations and proposals received create a basis for national action plans which are an important guideline in the implementation of the national nuclear energy programme.
By late 2021, two repeated IAEA missions are likely to visit Belarus: to assess the progress achieved in development of the regulatory infrastructure and operational safety.
In addition, the meeting focused on a draft of a new framework programme for co-operation between Belarus and the IAEA in 2022-2027 which is being prepared at the moment. Mr. Karankevich invited the IAEA Director General to take part in a commissioning ceremony of the entire complex of the Belarusian nuclear power plant scheduled for 2022.
In turn, Mr. Grossi appreciated Belarus’ openness to co-operation with international organisations, including the IAEA. He reminded that the IAEA, as a technical expert organisation, sees no reason why the Belarusian NPP could not be put into operation. The IAEA Director General also stressed that the Agency will continue to support the project.
