Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun held a telephone conversation with Director General Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at 17:30 on Monday, March 9. The two sides exchanged views on key issues, including Republic of Korea-IAEA cooperation, the current situation in the Middle East, and the North Korean nuclear issue.

Minister Cho expressed deep concern over the recent developments in the Middle East and voiced his hope for an early resolution. In response, Director General Grossi explained that the IAEA has been actively engaged in issues concerning the Iranian nuclear program and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.

Minister Cho explained that the ROK government is pursuing the "policy for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula," based on the recognition that peace which does not require fighting is the most certain form of security. Adding that the ROK government is calling for North Korea to engage in dialogue to resolve the nuclear issue, he requested the IAEA’s continued support and cooperation in that regard.

Director General Grossi noted that the North Korean nuclear issue remains one of the IAEA’s important agendas, and affirmed that the Agency will continue to cooperate closely with the ROK government.

In addition, Minister Cho emphasized that the ROK has fully complied with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and has implemented the highest level of safeguards. He also stated that the ROK will maintain transparent communication with the IAEA throughout the process of introducing nuclear-powered submarines.

Director General Grossi expressed his appreciation for Minister Cho’s explanation, stating that he fully trusts the ROK government’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and looks forward to continued close cooperation.