1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin had a phone conversation with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi on the afternoon of September 14 to exchange views on the Agency’s pending issues.

     2. Foreign Minister Park said it is important for the international community to send a united and firm message to the DPRK as the DPRK is posing heightened threats of preemptive nuclear strikes following the promulgation of a law on a policy of the nuclear forces. He went on to ask for the IAEA’s active cooperation in that regard.

    3. Foreign Minister Park highly commended the IAEA Director General’s latest report, which provides an extensive analysis on the North Korean nuclear programs and facilities. He delivered the strong will of the Korean government to achieve denuclearization of the DPRK in close cooperation with the IAEA.

    4. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Park expressed his concern over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), of which nuclear safety and security is severely undermined. He expressed his support for the seven recommendations Director General has proposed, which include setting up a nuclear safety and security protection zone around the ZNPP.

     ㅇ Foreign Minister Park extended appreciation for the Director General’s efforts to secure safety and security of the Ukrainian nuclear facility during his visit to Ukraine this September. Foreign Minister Park conveyed full support of the Korean government to the efforts of the IAEA and its Director General.

         5. Director General Grossi and Foreign Minister Park exchanged their views on the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and they were in agreement that a swift conclusion regarding the JCPOA would be crucial for peace and stability in the Middle East region.

   6. In addition, Foreign Minister Park expressed appreciation to the IAEA for playing an important role in dealing with the issue of contaminated water generated and stored at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. At the same time, he relayed concerns of the Korean public in regard to Japan’s plan to discharge the contaminated water into the sea. He stressed that the contaminated water must be disposed in a scientifically safe manner and in accordance with international standards. Moreover, he strongly emphasized that it is vital that Korean experts and agencies continue to engage closely in the IAEA’s monitoring activities over Japan’s plans for disposal.

    7. Foreign Minister Park added that the Republic of Korea, serving as Chair of the IAEA Board of Governors from September 2021, will successfully preside over the meeting until the term ends in October 2022 and will maintain close cooperation with Director General Grossi.