Jeong Yeon-du, head of South Korea's Foreign Affairs Strategy and Planning Office, met with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Vienna on the morning of November 9.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jeong praised the IAEA's pivotal role in the international non-proliferation regime, including issues related to North Korea's nuclear program. He also outlined the South Korean government's efforts to achieve peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula and expressed hope that the IAEA would continue to raise international awareness of the North Korean nuclear issue through reports issued under the Director General's name.
Furthermore, Jeong emphasized South Korea's status as one of the world's top five nuclear power nations, operating 26 nuclear reactors, and as a major financial contributor to the IAEA. He expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation with the agency and highlighted the importance of ongoing, transparent communication regarding safety measures related to the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines.
Grossi supported South Korea's diplomatic efforts for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and assured that the IAEA would maintain its enhanced readiness for verification of North Korea's nuclear program. He acknowledged a thorough understanding of South Korea's strategic position and suggested continued technical communication moving forward.
Both sides agreed to enhance international awareness of the importance of resolving the North Korean nuclear issue and to further develop cooperation between South Korea and the IAEA while strengthening close communication.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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