Press Releases
Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu Meets with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency
On February 25, commencing at around 7:00 p.m. for approximately 2 hours, Mr. Motegi Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a meeting and working dinner with H.E. Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. At the beginning, Minister Motegi welcomed Director General Grossi’s visit to Japan soon after assuming the office and stated that Japan would render its assistance to the fullest extent to the endeavor of Director General Grossi and continue to work on strengthening the function of the IAEA in close cooperation with other IAEA member States. In response, Director General Grossi stated that he visited Japan around 35 years ago for the first time and, this marked his first visit as Director General of the IAEA. Director General Grossi also stated that he profoundly appreciates Japan’s generous cooperation and would like to continue to cooperated closely.
2. Minister Motegi expressed his gratitude for the cooperation of the IAEA in decommissioning the TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and the handling of the ALPS treated water. In response, Director General Grossi stated that the IAEA highly values Japan’s efforts to proceed with the reconstruction of Fukushima and decommission of the nuclear power station in a compatible manner, and the IAEA would continue to cooperate with Japan. With regard to the ALPS treated water(Note), Director General Grossi stated that the IAEA is currently examining the contents of the report of the Subcommittee on Handling of the ALPS Treated Water and the IAEA would like to play a constructive role. He added that the IAEA would like to cooperate with the Government of Japan to resolve the issue while ensuring openness and transparency. Both sides agreed that they would closely coordinate with each other.
(Note) ALPS treated water: Water treated through multiple treatment facilities including ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System)
3. Both sides exchanged views on ways to strengthen Japan-IAEA cooperation, and Minister Motegi stated that Japan would cooperate in strengthening the foundation of the IAEA safeguards and efforts in such areas peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In response, Director General Grossi the IAEA safeguards is the heart of the IAEA’s activities and expressed his appreciation for Japan's cooperation . Both sides shared the view that they would work together to build a more cooperative relationship.
4. Both sides also exchanged views on the situation surrounding nuclear issues of North Korea and Iran and confirmed that they would continue close cooperation with each other.
Related Links
- Prime Minister Abe Receives a Courtesy Call from Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (February 25, 2020)
- Visit of H.E. Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to Japan (Press Releases) (February 18, 2020)
- Election of H.E. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (Statement by Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu) (October 31, 2019)
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Website
- Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
- Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology