Kazakhstan and IAEA Sign Roadmap to Deepen Nuclear Cooperation Through 2036

Kazakhstan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have solidified their commitment to nuclear safety and the peaceful use of atomic energy, signing a long-term cooperation roadmap through 2036. The agreement was reached during talks between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in Astana on May 26.

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Your first visit to Kazakhstan in April 2023 gave further impetus to our cooperation. I believe we share common positions on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

The discussions focused on enhancing strategic collaboration, bolstering nuclear safety standards, and advancing joint projects in nuclear energy, medicine, science, and workforce development. President Tokayev emphasized Kazakhstan's high regard for its partnership with the IAEA, noting that Grossi's previous visit in April 2023 had significantly boosted their cooperation. Tokayev also highlighted shared positions on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, stressing the need for coordinated international responses to growing global challenges.

Kazakhstan reiterated its willingness to contribute to international efforts aimed at strengthening nuclear safety and fostering interstate trust. In this regard, Tokayev expressed the country's readiness to support initiatives related to the Iranian nuclear program, provided they are backed by appropriate international agreements. President Tokayev also extended his best wishes to Grossi for his candidacy for the position of UN Secretary-General.

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Political consolidation and public support create a solid foundation for further advancement of the country’s nuclear energy program.

A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of the "Roadmap for Deepening Cooperation between Kazakhstan’s Agency for Atomic Energy and the IAEA through 2036." This document establishes a framework for implementing joint projects and outlines long-term priorities across various sectors of the nuclear industry. Almasadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Kazakh Agency for Atomic Energy, described the agreement as a crucial step in transitioning "from general agreements to the systematic and practical implementation of joint priorities for the long term." The roadmap also encompasses cooperation in nuclear medicine, scientific research, and personnel training, aligning with Kazakhstan's strategy to develop a modern and secure nuclear sector that adheres to IAEA standards. In recognition of his contributions, President Tokayev awarded Grossi the Order of Dostyk, First Degree.

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from general agreements to the systematic and practical implementation of joint priorities for the long term.