Georgia sets stage for nuclear cooperation with IAEA under new framework

Georgia has signed a framework agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), establishing priority areas for cooperation and providing a basis for implementing joint projects, according to the country’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.

The agreement was signed by Nino Utiashvili, Head of the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Agency, acting as Georgia’s government-designated authorised representative, and by Hua Liu, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, on behalf of the IAEA, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

Utiashvili emphasised that the program will support sectors such as nuclear and radiation safety, healthcare and nutrition, agriculture, energy, and industry.

“The implementation of the Country Programme Framework will ensure support and continuity across such priority areas as nuclear and radiation safety and security, health and nutrition, food and agriculture, water and the environment, and energy and industry. The development of these sectors is essential for the well-being of the population and the country’s long-term economic growth,” Utiashvili said.

The initial agreement between Georgia and the IAEA was signed in November 2020 for the period 2020–2025. Extending the program reflects a strong partnership and a shared interest in developing a sustainable nuclear and radiation safety system.

By Jeyhun Aghazada