Press Release
03 July 2013
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane concludes successful Working Visit to Vienna
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has concluded a successful Working Visit to Vienna, Austria, where she led a South African delegation to the International Conference on Nuclear Security, organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Ministerial Conference adopted a Declaration emphasising that whilst the responsibility for Nuclear Security rests entirely with individual Member States, the IAEA plays a central role in strengthening the nuclear security framework globally. The Declaration also emphasised the role of the IAEA in leading coordination of international activities in the field of nuclear security.
Delivering South Africa's national statement at the Conference, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said: "South Africa has worked with the IAEA to strengthen nuclear security within our borders. This includes training, as well as support for the establishment of a Nuclear Security Support Centre. The IAEA also provided specific assistance to South Africa in this regard during the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup."
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane added: "South Africa, like the majority of Member States, attaches great importance to the benefits derived from the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Nuclear energy provides not only for the expanded opportunity to generate power needed for our development. We also derive infinite value from its application to health, nutrition and agriculture.
The Minister told the Conference that: "South Africa contributes to these nuclear applications through the supply of medical isotopes. We are now producing medical isotopes on a large scale using low enriched uranium fuel."
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane took advantage of her visit to Vienna to hold bilateral discussions with Mr Yukiya Amano, Director General of the IAEA; Dr Lassina Zerbo, Executive Secretary-elect of the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO); Mr Li Yong, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and Dr Kandeh Yumkella Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Chief Executive of Sustainable Energy for All (E4ALL)
For further information, please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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