Egypt's FM, IAEA director-general discuss reviewing Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

CAIRO – 16 December 2021: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry met Thursday with Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi agreeing on the importance of making the New York conference scheduled for January 4-27 on reviewing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons succeed.

Grossi also met with President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi who that Egypt looks forward to benefiting from the entity's experience on nuclear security as the country is close to introducing Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant.

That was during their meeting attended by Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry, and Chief of Egyptian Intelligence Abbas Kamel.

The president pointed out to Egypt's orientation toward benefiting from the peaceful uses of atomic energy in development through the nuclear power plant it will build in Dabaa. The president added that the country is eager to strengthen existing cooperation with the agency in that context in order to benefit from its experience in implementing the highest international nuclear security standards.

The president "lauded Grossi's efforts in activating the salient role of the agency in the framework of the use of science and nuclear technology, and in supporting endeavors aimed at promoting international peace and security," the presidency's press statement indicates. On that front, the Egyptian president noted that the IAEA has a great mission to reinforce stability and peace in the region.

In turn, the IAEA's director-general commended Egypt's central contributions - on the regional and international scales - in the field of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, asserting the agency's support the Dabaa nuclear project. Grossi highlighted that the plant will enhance the outcome of Egypt's developmental works, and make it a leading country in that field in the region. He added that he hopes that the project will be an epitome of fruitful cooperation between the agency and Egypt.

Both parties also discussed Egypt's goal to benefit from the agency's 'Rays of Hope' initiative aimed at treating cancer patients in Africa. That is by selecting an experienced Egyptian medical institution to provide technical support to the initiative in Africa. 

They also tackled Egypt's hosting of COP27 where the merits of reliance on clean energy in reducing carbon emissions will be showcased.