Ministry of Foreign Affairs Discusses North Korea Nuclear and Ukraine Nuclear Safety with IAEA

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] On the 9th, Park Young-hyo, Director General for Nuclear Energy and Non-Proliferation Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Vienna, Austria, to discuss issues including the North Korean nuclear problem, the safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, and the contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 9th.

Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in responding to nuclear non-proliferation issues such as North Korea's nuclear program.

The international community has been paying close attention to North Korea's nuclear developments since it indicated the end of its moratorium on nuclear and missile tests in January.

Director General Grossi revealed on the 7th that there are signs North Korea is operating a 5 MW reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear complex.

U.S. experts have also reported evidence of new construction at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province.

The safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine is also an urgent issue. Since the end of last month, Russian forces have approached the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, and on the 4th of this month, shelling caused a fire at the plant.

Director General Park emphasized that, as the chair country of the IAEA, South Korea will actively support the IAEA's efforts to ensure the safety of Ukrainian nuclear power plants and the implementation of related measures.

Earlier, the IAEA held a special board meeting on the 2nd and 3rd and adopted a resolution calling for the cessation of all Russian activities at nuclear facilities in Ukraine.

Regarding the treatment of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, Director General Park stressed the importance of objective and transparent verification. Accordingly, they discussed cooperation measures, including South Korea's participation in the IAEA's monitoring process.

Director General Grossi also explained that he will continue close communication with relevant countries, including South Korea.

Meanwhile, Director General Park visited Austria to attend the IAEA Board of Governors meeting held from the 7th to the 11th. During this visit, he plans to meet not only with Director General Grossi but also with Lydie Evrard, Deputy Director General for Nuclear Safety and Security, and Massimo Aparo, Deputy Director General for Safeguards.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.