Representatives of Tajikistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Department of Safeguards met at the Vienna International Centre on the sidelines of the 70th session of the IAEA General Conference, according to Tajikistan’s Agency for Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear Safety.

Tajikistan was represented by Aziz Nazar, deputy minister of industry and new technologies, and Ilkhom Mirsaidzoda, director of the Agency for Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear Safety of the National Acamedy of Sceinces of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The sides reviewed cooperation on the application of IAEA safeguards, including the timely and complete submission of required reports and information and measures to strengthen Tajikistan’s national system for accounting for and controlling nuclear materials.

They also discussed strengthening cooperation between Tajik authorities and the IAEA’s Department of Safeguards, ensuring timely information exchanges and meeting Tajikistan’s obligations under international agreements.

The participants emphasized the importance of regular professional dialogue and the timely, complete and accurate submission of information. Under IAEA safeguards procedures, effective implementation depends in part on states providing accurate reports and declarations and maintaining close cooperation between the agency and national authorities.

The Tajik delegation also expressed interest in expanding practical cooperation with the IAEA, including training national specialists, improving procedures for preparing and submitting reports, strengthening nuclear material accounting and control systems, and exchanging expertise on modern IAEA practices and tools.

The agency said Tajikistan’s cooperation with the IAEA on safeguards supports its efforts to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety, meet international nonproliferation obligations and promote the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.

The sides agreed to continue what they described as open and constructive cooperation aimed at improving the implementation of IAEA safeguards in Tajikistan and strengthening long-term ties with the agency.