On March 17, 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Congo, H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso, met with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), H.E. Rafael Mariano Grossi, in Vienna, Austria. The meeting was part of a bilateral visit by Minister Gakosso to Austria, where he also held talks with his counterpart, H.E. Alexander Schallenberg, and other senior officials.
The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the cooperation between the Republic of the Congo and the IAEA in the fields of nuclear energy, nuclear safety and security, and nuclear applications for development. Minister Gakosso expressed his appreciation for the technical assistance and capacity building provided by the IAEA to his country, especially in areas such as health, agriculture, water management and environmental protection. He also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to adhere to the highest standards of nuclear non-proliferation and safeguards, as well as to support the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Africa and globally.
Director General Grossi welcomed Minister Gakosso’s visit and praised the Republic of the Congo for its active participation in the IAEA’s activities and programmes. He highlighted the potential benefits of nuclear technology for addressing some of the key challenges faced by the country, such as improving access to electricity, enhancing food security and combating diseases. He also assured Minister Gakosso of the IAEA’s continued support and collaboration in implementing various projects and initiatives under the framework of the Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2019-2024.
The two officials also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, such as the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear programme, the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and the role of nuclear energy in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They agreed on the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation and dialogue on these matters, as well as on enhancing the visibility and outreach of the IAEA’s work.
The meeting between Minister Gakosso and Director General Grossi was a positive and fruitful one, reflecting the strong and cordial relations between the Republic of the Congo and the IAEA. Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of their discussions and their willingness to further deepen their partnership in advancing their common interests and objectives.
