Park Jin meets IAEA Director General, "Hope to continue cooperation for North Korea's complete denuclearization"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 15th, Foreign Minister Park Jin met with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who visited Korea, to discuss North Korea nuclear monitoring activities and the issue of contaminated water discharge from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan.

In his opening remarks during the meeting with Director General Grossi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Minister Park said, "We appreciate the essential role the IAEA is playing in monitoring North Korea's ongoing illegal nuclear program and raising international awareness." He added, "These nuclear monitoring activities by the IAEA form a fundamental basis for the international community to urge North Korea to comply with the IAEA safeguards agreement," and expressed hope to continue cooperation between Korea and the IAEA for the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

The IAEA carries out monitoring and supervisory duties related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It also plays an important role in the developments surrounding the North Korean nuclear issue.

Regarding the contaminated water issue at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Minister Park reiterated the Korean government's position that "the contaminated water must be treated in a manner that complies with the IAEA's safety standards and other international standards, and in a scientifically and objectively safe way." He emphasized, "We hope for the continued participation of our experts and research institutions in the IAEA's review and monitoring to enhance transparency and objectivity."

Furthermore, Korea, as one of the world's top five nuclear power countries, evaluated that "the close cooperative relationship between Korea and the IAEA has greatly contributed to the development of Korea's nuclear-related capabilities as they are today."

Director General Grossi also stressed, "There are many important issues we cooperate on, ranging from concerns about North Korea's nuclear program to the discharge of treated water from the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant." Regarding the Fukushima contaminated water issue, he said, "We are cooperating actively with Korean experts and institutions participating vigorously."

The IAEA conducted an expert on-site investigation last month to verify the treatment process of contaminated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which the Japanese government plans to discharge into the ocean starting next year. Korean experts also participated in the inspection team visiting Japan.

On the 14th, Director General Grossi visited Korea for the first time since his appointment in December 2019.

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