https://arab.news/2c7j7
- Ishaq Dar says International Atomic Energy Agency’s technical cooperation fund should be increased
- IAEA chief says Pakistan playing key role in sharing nuclear energy expertise with developing countries
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday sought financing for nuclear energy projects from international financial institutions and banks, and said Pakistan was ready to share its experience and expertise in peaceful uses of the technology with other developing nations.
Dar said this in a meeting with the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, on the sidelines of the first Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels.
“Dar stressed that the international financial institutions and banks should support nuclear energy projects in developing countries to enable them to meet their energy needs and achieving zero emissions goals,” state-run APP news agency reported after the meeting between Dar and Grossi.
Grossi agreed that financing of nuclear projects was a challenge and said he would “soon engage with international financial Institutions to resolve the issue.”
Separately while addressing the summit, Dar highlighted Pakistan’s extensive experience in operating nuclear power plants and its commitment to safety, waste management, and non-proliferation.
“Pakistan also stands ready to share its experience and expertise in peaceful uses of nuclear technology with the world,” Dar said, adding that the International Atomic Energy Agency’s technical cooperation fund should be increased.
“Pakistan will remain a steadfast partner of the international community and the IAEA in further enhancing role of nuclear technology for energy and other peaceful purposes,” the foreign minister said.
Nine countries currently have nuclear weapons: Russia, the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea.
The world’s nuclear-armed states possess a combined total of about 12,512 nuclear warheads.