Kazakh FM, IAEA Chief Discuss Nuclear Energy Cooperation

Kazakhstan is stepping up its nuclear ambitions.

During a visit to Vienna, Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to outline the country’s plans to develop its national nuclear industry and build new nuclear power plants, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Kosherbayev stressed that partnership with the IAEA is central to Kazakhstan’s drive toward carbon neutrality and global non-proliferation goals.

He thanked the Agency for its ongoing support and emphasized the need to strengthen human capital, including expanding the presence of Kazakh specialists in key IAEA roles. The minister also highlighted Kazakhstan’s push to ensure sovereign equality for member states within the Agency.

Grossi, in turn, praised Kazakhstan’s contributions to peaceful nuclear development - from its NPP plans and nuclear medicine initiatives to hosting the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium Bank in Ust-Kamenogorsk. He confirmed the Agency’s readiness to support Kazakhstan at every phase of its nuclear power plant project and proposed drafting a comprehensive Cooperation Roadmap.

The sides also lauded progress under the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme, including projects focused on cancer treatment technologies, boosting agricultural productivity, and rehabilitating the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.

Following the meeting, Kazakhstan and the IAEA reaffirmed their commitment to expanding long-term cooperation. It is also worth noting that Kazakhstan recently joined the IAEA Far East Regional Group.