On May 20, RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan participated in the "Shaping the Future" international conference on Nuclear Security.
Below is the full speech of Minister Mirzoyan: General Secretary Grossi, Honorable Co-Chairs, Dear Colleagues,
I would like to begin by expressing our deepest condolences to the Government, partners and friendly people of Iran over the tragic helicopter crash. I would like to express my appreciation to the Secretary-General and the Secretariat for organizing the Fourth International Conference on Nuclear Security, and to congratulate Australia and Kazakhstan for effectively co-chairing the event.
As an advocate of non-proliferation, Armenia reaffirms its commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and other relevant international instruments and adheres to the IAEA Safeguards Agreements and Additional Protocols. In the past decade, our global environment has undergone significant changes, recording rapid transformations and unprecedented challenges, including those arising from from technology development. It is critical that our national nuclear security system be able to adapt and meet emerging threats. Promoting inclusive dialogue, sharing information and applying best practices are essential for effective threat identification and management. With IAEA's Cantonal role, international cooperation with partners has been essential in strengthening our capabilities in nuclear safety and security. Over the years, the Armenian nuclear power plant has implemented a number of projects to increase the level of nuclear safety in accordance with IAEA recommendations. These improvements, including large-scale modernization and re-equipment of the nuclear power plant, have created additional public confidence in nuclear power. Guided by national priorities and the key importance of nuclear energy in achieving global zero carbon emission goals, as well as the importance of maintaining high safety and security standards during NPP operation, Armenia has decided to extend the operational life of the current power unit until 2036 with the ultimate goal of a smooth transition to the new capacity. With its National Action Plan, Armenia fully complies with the international obligations defined by UN Security Council Resolution 1540. Great efforts have been made to ensure strict border controls to prevent the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive materials. Thanks to cooperation with international partners, all border checkpoints of Armenia are continuously modernized and updated. Violation of the Charter, International Law and the Statute of the Agency. Armenia's position in this case is principled, but it also derives from past experience, taking into account the undisguised threats against the RA nuclear power plant. In this regard, Armenia wishes to reaffirm the importance of the "Seven Indispensable Pillars" put forward by the Secretary General as the minimum condition for maintaining the security of peaceful nuclear facilities. In this light, Armenia appreciates the dedicated and continued efforts of the Secretary-General and IAEA staff. Our goal is to create international awareness that there is a need to breathe new life into the process of developing an international legally binding treaty to ban nuclear facilities used for peaceful purposes. armed attacks and threats of attack. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the common goals of strengthening global nuclear security, the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. May this conference serve as a catalyst for renewed cooperation and innovation, moving us towards a safer and more secure future. Acknowledgment: The purpose of the Nuclear Security Conference is to provide a global forum for ministers, policymakers and nuclear security experts to discuss the future of nuclear security around the world, while enabling for the exchange of information and best practices and the promotion of international cooperation in the direction of strengthening nuclear security. The work of the conference contributes to raising awareness of a wide range of nuclear security issues, including existing challenges and their trends, reviewing priorities in the field, and addressing directions that need urgent attention. The results of the conference will serve as a basis for the 2026-2029 AEM. for the development of a nuclear safety program.
