Deputy Minister Ivan Kondov presented Bulgaria at the International Conference on Nuclear Security ICONS 2024
21 May 2024 News
The International Conference on Nuclear Security, the fourth edition of which takes place in Vienna from 20–24 May 2024 under the motto ‘Shaping the Future’, is a global forum within the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that provides an opportunity to promote international cooperation through the exchange of information, best practices, and innovation in the field of nuclear security.
Bulgaria was represented by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ivan Kondov, who took part in the ministerial segment of the conference, alongside other foreign and energy ministers, deputy ministers and heads of regulatory authorities of IAEA member states. In his speech, Deputy Minister Kondov stressed that achieving a high level of nuclear security is key to expanding the scope of nuclear technologies and nuclear energy, including for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Expressed strong support for the central role of the IAEA in promoting international cooperation and facilitating States in implementing their national nuclear security regimes. He stressed Bulgaria's serious concern about the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and Russia's unprecedented and illegal seizure of the Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which pose a huge risk to nuclear security in the regional and global context. The Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister supported the IAEA's efforts to mitigate nuclear security risks in Ukraine and stressed the need to comply with the seven pillars of nuclear security and safety in the context of armed conflict and the five specific principles for the protection of the Zaporizhia NPP, as outlined by IAEA Director General Rafael M. Grossi.
Deputy Minister Kondov highlighted the cooperation between the IAEA and Bulgaria in the field of capacity building and qualification in nuclear security through the IAEA's support to the Master's programme in Nuclear Security at the University of National and World Economy.
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