Press Releases
State Minister for Foreign Affairs KUNIMITSU Receives a Courtesy Call from Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency
January 20, 2026
On January 20, commencing at 10:45 a.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Ms. KUNIMITSU Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, received a courtesy call from four Governors (the Philippines, Chile, Ghana and Thailand) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who are visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, State Minister Kunimitsu welcomed the Governors to Japan. She stated that Japan contributes to peaceful uses of nuclear energy and nuclear non-proliferation as a country that plays a leading role in international efforts to maintain and strengthen the NPT regime. In addition, she stated that Japan will continue efforts which contribute to resolve development issues of IAEA member states. Furthermore, Ms. Kunimitsu explained the decommissioning process including the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea and the importance of the complete denuclearization of North Korea, and expressed her hope to continue the close cooperation with the IAEA and its Governors in this vein.
- In response, the Governors expressed their gratitude for the invitation to Japan, hoping that they can deepen their understanding of Japan’s efforts in areas such as peaceful uses of nuclear energy, nuclear safety and fusion energy. Also, they expressed their hope to continue to strengthen the collaboration with Japan, in the context of the IAEA.
- The Governors will stay from January 18 to 24, visit various sites including nuclear-related facilities in Japan, and exchange opinions with relevant people. They will also travel to Hiroshima, and visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.