- Discussion on ways to strengthen nuclear safeguards cooperation between Korea and the IAEA -

Mr. Lee Chul, Director-General for International Organizations and Nuclear Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Massimo Aparo, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held the 14th Republic of Korea (ROK)-International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) High-level Policy Consultation in Seoul on December 2.

The ROK-IAEA High-level Policy Consultation, held on an annual basis since 2013, serves as a high-level strategic communication channel that reviews major issues related to IAEA safeguards and seeks ways to strengthen cooperation between Korea and the IAEA.

During this year’s consultation, the two sides exchanged views on (1) the assessment of the implementation of IAEA safeguards in the Republic of Korea and ways to further strengthen cooperation, (2) the current status of IAEA safeguards activities worldwide, and (3) the IAEA’s readiness to undertake verification of North Korea’s nuclear program.

Director-General Lee emphasized that the Republic of Korea, as a leading nuclear energy user and a model implementer of the global non-proliferation regime, has been providing continued support for the role and functions of the IAEA through various cooperation projects such as capacity-building of IAEA member states. Director-General Lee also highly valued that, through this annual consultation, the two sides have been able to continue discussions on specific cooperation measures in the area of safeguards, as well as to maintain close communication on IAEA activities, including in regard to the verification of North Korean nuclear activities.

Deputy Director General Aparo affirmed that IAEA safeguards are being implemented in a smooth and effective manner with respect to Korea’s transparent and responsible peaceful nuclear energy activities. He further explained that the IAEA continues to maintain a high level of readiness regarding the verification of North Korea’s nuclear program.

Meanwhile, with regard to Korea’s introduction of nuclear-powered submarines and its pursuit of enrichment and reprocessing for peaceful and commercial purposes, as agreed at the recent ROK-U.S. summit, Director-General Lee stated that Korea will cooperate with the IAEA in a transparent manner while fully complying with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Deputy Director General Aparo expressed his appreciation for the Korean side’s explanation and said that he looks forward to maintaining close communication with the Korean government on these matters.

Both sides agreed that this year’s consultation served as an opportunity to further deepen their mutual understanding of current safeguards issues and contributed to further solidifying the foundation for cooperation between Korea and the IAEA. They also agreed to continue close policy consultations through this annual dialogue as well as various bilateral and multilateral occasions in the future.