IAEA chief Grossi to visit Kazakhstan for high-level nuclear talks

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, will visit Kazakhstan from May 25 to 27 for a series of high-level meetings focused on nuclear cooperation and scientific collaboration.

According to Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry, Grossi is scheduled to hold talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, with discussions expected to centre on strengthening bilateral cooperation. 

During the visit, the parties are also expected to sign a roadmap outlining enhanced cooperation between Kazakhstan and the IAEA for the next ten years, along with additional agreements in the fields of science and nuclear medicine.

Grossi last visited Kazakhstan in 2023, when he also met with Tokayev. In 2024, the country held a referendum in which a majority of participants supported the construction of its first nuclear power plant. Kazakh authorities later selected Rosatom to lead the international consortium responsible for the project and have emphasised plans for close cooperation with the IAEA during its implementation.

On May 20, speaking at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council convened following a strike on the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, Grossi said he intended to visit the Persian Gulf region in the near future. Earlier, on May 11, Tokayev discussed developments surrounding Iran’s nuclear program with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.

The issue of exporting enriched uranium from Iran remains one of the key points in ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington. US President Donald Trump stated that a draft agreement has largely been finalised and has discussed it with several regional leaders. Reports also indicate that the United States is insisting on dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and removing enriched uranium from the country.

By Jeyhun Aghazada