Vienna: The UAE's bid for a seat in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) board of governors had been approved.
Hamad Ali Al Kaabi Permanent Representative of the UAE to the IAEA, described the selection of the UAE to the Board of Governors of IAEA, which includes Jordan, as a significant step and a great opportunity to play a role in the decision-making in this important global forum to support the Agency in achieving its goals, strengthen its role in working on nuclear non-proliferation and international expansion in the field of clean energy use and the peaceful use of atomic energy.
Al Ka'abi said that the accepted bid also coincides with the steps taken by the UAE in terms of its peaceful nuclear energy, which depends on transparency, clarity and commitment to the highest standards of safety and security, referring to the contract signed by the UAE with South Korean companies to build nuclear reactors and the enactment of several laws in this area, regarding infrastructure and obligations of the operators.
He said that the selection of the UAE also confirms its right policies and effective role in international forums under the wise leadership of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The UAE and the Republic of Korea signed on June 22, 2009, bilateral agreement between the Governments of United Arab Emirates and South Korea, allowing Korean companies to supply expertise, equipment and technical programmes that are relevant with the UAE's peaceful nuclear energy.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Kwon Jong-rak, Korean Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.
In line with the 20 years timeline of the agreement, the South Korean government will help the UAE build its nuclear programme by providing the necessary nuclear expertise, tools, equipment and technicalities.
The UAE signed similar agreements with the French government, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom, which signify the UAE’s dedication in completing its peaceful nuclear programme by fully cooperating with the IAEA and all relevant countries.
Moreover, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) announced in December 27, 2009 that it selected Korea Electric Power Corp. (Kepco) for the operation of four atomic plants.
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) also signed an implementing arrangement with the Korean Institute for Nuclear Safety (KINS) for the exchange of technical information and cooperation in nuclear safety and radiation protection matters.
