Ignazio Cassis discusses Ukraine's nuclear facilities with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi
Bern, 12.06.2024 - Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi in Bern on 12 June 2024. The discussions focused on the safety of Ukraine's nuclear facilities and Switzerland's support for the IAEA's work in Ukraine. The meeting is part of a series of high-level exchanges with the IAEA, and underscores the importance that Switzerland attaches to nuclear safety and security and to the IAEA as a whole, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine.
Mr Cassis thanked Mr Grossi for his commitment to maintaining nuclear safety in Ukraine in challenging circumstances. IAEA missions are present at all Ukrainian nuclear power plants and Chernobyl, and provide the public with important information on the condition of the plants. Switzerland fully and consistently supports these missions, as well as the IAEA's Seven Indispensable Pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security and its Five Concrete Principles for the protection of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. Switzerland facilitated the presentation of the Five Principles by the IAEA director general to the UN Security Council under the chairmanship of Mr Cassis in May 2023. Switzerland has also provided Ukraine with material support.
In addition to Ukraine, developments in the Middle East and the upcoming Summit on Peace in Ukraine were also discussed, at which nuclear safety will be one of the key topics on the agenda. The visit by Mr Grossi is also recognition of Switzerland's commitment within the IAEA. Switzerland is a founding member of the IAEA and attaches great importance to its work. In keeping with the Federal Council's Arms Control and Disarmament Strategy 2022–25, Switzerland is committed to strengthening the IAEA.
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