Press Releases
Foreign Minister IWAYA’s Meeting and Working Dinner with IAEA Director General Grossi
February 18, 2025
On February 18, commencing at about 7:30 p.m. Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting for about 20 minutes and a working dinner for about 60 minutes with H.E. Dr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The overview is as follows.
- Cooperation on Reconstruction of Fukushima
Minister IWAYA, referring to the DG Grossi’s planned visit to Fukushima Prefecture, expressed gratitude for IAEA’s scientific, impartial and professional cooperation, to Japan’s efforts for reconstruction of Fukushima, including DG Grossi’s strong commitment to the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea as well as the additional measures.
In response, DG Grossi stated that, he would confirm the safety of Japan's various efforts through this visit, and that the IAEA would continue its cooperation on Japan’s efforts including confirmation of the safety of the discharge of ALPS treated water until the “last drop”. - Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
Minister IWAYA stated that Japan supports DG Grossi’s efforts in promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy in the various fields such as health, medicine and the environment, which contributes to the achievement of the SDGs. Minister IWAYA continued that to further support the efforts, Japan has decided to make contribution of approximately 14 million euros, and that Japan looks forward to further expansion of cooperation in this regard between the IAEA and Japanese companies and institutions.
In response, DG Grossi, expressing his gratitude for Japan's support, stated that, with Japan’s support, the IAEA would strengthen its efforts to respond to the growing global demand for nuclear energy. Also, the two sides confirmed to continue looking into their cooperation for further promotion of radiation therapy for cancer. - International and Regional Issues
Minister IWAYA stated that, the importance of sustaining the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the role of the IAEA, which are the cornerstone for nuclear non-proliferation regime in the current growingly severe international situation. The two sides also discussed various matters including nuclear issues in North Korea and Iran, as well as nuclear safety in Ukraine, and concurred to continuing close cooperation on these matters.
(Reference) Japan’s recent contribution to IAEA projects
- Support to the health and medical sectors in Africa (6 million euros)
Support to the procurement of equipment for the early detection of breast cancer (mammography) in the framework of IAEA's “Rays of Hope” initiative. - Marine radioactivity monitoring (approximately 2 million euros)
Capacity-building support for marine radioactivity monitoring, targeting Pacific island countries. - Support to Ukraine (approximately 5.2 million euros)
Technical and equipment support for the IAEA's activities related to ensuring nuclear safety, security and safeguards activities at nuclear facilities in Ukraine, as well as the support for treatment of eye tumours. - Strengthening verification and monitoring activities in Iran (approximately 900 thousand euros)
Strengthening verification and monitoring activities of nuclear-related commitments of Iran under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), including through the dispatch of verification and monitoring missions from the IAEA.