IAEA Chief Praises Uzbekistan’s Nuclear Energy and Technology Initiatives

Azim Akhmedkhujayev, Director of the Atomic Energy Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan, held a meeting with Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Vienna.

The parties discussed strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and the IAEA and promising areas in nuclear technology and safety, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

Rafael Mariano Grossi highly praised the comprehensive reforms carried out under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He also noted that his visits to Tashkent and Samarkand on December 4-5, 2024, were a testament to the significant progress in bilateral cooperation.

At the meeting, several projects outlined in the roadmap were discussed, including the initiatives “Umid Nurlari” (“Ray of Hope”) and “ZODIAC”. A proposal was made to establish a School of Small Modular Reactors at the Tashkent National Research Nuclear University MEPhI branch. The introduction of IAEA international standards in Uzbekistan’s cotton industry was also considered.

The IAEA Director General positively assessed Uzbekistan’s strategic nuclear energy and technology initiatives, highlighting their innovative and promising nature. He also recognized Uzbekistan as one of the IAEA’s key partners in the region.