Vietnam makes positive and responsible contributions to IAEA’s activities
VOV.VN - Vietnam has hailed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s efforts to achieve the field of nuclear inspection and its leading role in supporting countries, including Vietnam, to ensure both nuclear security and safety.
The statement was made by Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN, at a debate on the 2022 annual report of the IAEA at the UN General Assembly which took place from November 8 to November 9.
The Vietnamese representative acknowledged and appreciated the amount of work that the IAEA has finalised over the past year and thanked the IAEA and other members of the IAEA Board of Governors for co-operating with the country while it serves as a member of the board in the 2021 to 2023 term.
Vietnam and its partners are in the process of developing the Vietnamese Information Management System (VIMS) as a means of enabling nuclear facilities to submit reports online, a move which will help to simplify the inspection and supervision process and report-making process, the Vietnamese diplomat said.
Ambassador Giang applauded the IAEA's technical co-operation programmes with many leading initiatives, including nuclear applications in tackling zoonotic diseases (the Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action - ZODIAC), treating marine plastic waste (NUTEC Plastic), improving access to cancer diagnosis and treatment using radiotherapy (Rays of Hope), and many projects which seek to support climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Through technical assistance projects, the IAEA has helped the country to implement nuclear reactor research projects and nuclear energy applications in various fields, such as health, agriculture, industry, research, environmental protection, water resources, and nuclear safety infrastructure development.
With regard to emerging nuclear energy technology, the diplomat outlined that technologies such as Small modular reactors (SMRs) and Floating nuclear power platforms (FNPPs) pose challenges and potential impacts with regard to the current legal framework as well as security, safety, and navigation.
The development, deployment, and operation of these nuclear energy technologies should therefore be conducted in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Vietnam backs a cautious and step-by-step approach within the IAEA framework for research, development, licensing, management, and operation of FNPPs through close consultation between involved nations.
As part of the occasion, the Vietnamese Ambassador reaffirmed the nation’s support for the IAEA to continue performing its functions and tasks as a contribution to accelerating the application of nuclear science and technology for the causes of peace, stability, co-operation. and sustainable development.
