Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthening Nuclear Emergency Preparedness At IAEA General Conference In Vienna

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy, addressed the 69th session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness both nationally and internationally. The minister emphasised that collaboration and knowledge-sharing are crucial for effective emergency response systems, ensuring public safety and environmental protection.

The Kingdom appreciates the IAEA's initiatives under Director General Rafael Grossi, which support member states in developing national systems and human capabilities in nuclear technology. Prince Abdulaziz noted that the conference underscores the agency's significant role in promoting international cooperation for peaceful atomic energy use and sustainable development.

Saudi Arabia is advancing its national nuclear energy project, including building its first nuclear power plant. This initiative aims to diversify the national energy mix, secure supply chains, and promote sustainable development. Prince Abdulaziz stated that these efforts align with national requirements and international obligations, ensuring knowledge transfer and capability development according to global best practices.

The Kingdom has completed preparations to rescind the Small Quantities Protocol with the IAEA and will fully implement the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement by early 2025. This move highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to adhering to international standards in nuclear energy management.

Saudi Arabia actively engages in international nuclear safety efforts, participating in exercises like the IAEA’s ConvEx-3 hosted by Romania. The Kingdom also supports programs that develop young professionals in the nuclear field, aiming to maximise benefits from peaceful nuclear applications through investment in human capital.

The minister congratulated Ambassador Peter Burian of Slovakia on his appointment as President of the IAEA's 69th General Conference. He expressed confidence in Burian’s leadership to achieve conference objectives, reinforcing the agency’s vital role in fostering global cooperation for atomic energy use.

Upcoming Conference Hosting

Prince Abdulaziz announced that Saudi Arabia will host an International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies in Riyadh from December 1 to 4, 2025. Organised by the IAEA, this event aims to enhance both national and international capabilities through practical outcomes.

The Kingdom recently hosted a regional workshop in Riyadh with the IAEA to promote multilateral agreements on spent fuel and radioactive waste management. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s support for encouraging member states to join such agreements.

In his concluding remarks, Prince Abdulaziz reiterated Saudi Arabia’s determination to deepen cooperation with the IAEA. The focus remains on advancing peaceful atomic energy use aligned with national development goals and international commitments.

With inputs from SPA