By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo

Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs Kweon Ki-hwan and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Safeguards Massimo Aparo held the 13th Republic of Korea-International Atomic Energy Agency (ROK-IAEA) High-level Policy Consultation in Seoul on Nov. 8.

The ROK-IAEA High-level Policy Consultation, established in 2013, serves as a strategic communication channel that facilitates dialogue on current IAEA safeguards issues and ways to strengthen cooperation between Korea and the IAEA.

During this year’s consultation, both sides focused on how to bolster cooperation in support of the IAEA’s verification readiness for monitoring North Korea’s nuclear program. Both sides also reviewed the implementation of IAEA safeguards measures concerning Korea’s peaceful nuclear activities, as well as the latest developments and priorities regarding IAEA safeguards.

Deputy Minister Kweon emphasized Korea’s commitment to international non-proliferation as a leading nuclear energy producer and highlighted Korea’s continued support for the IAEA, such as its cooperation regarding capacity-building initiatives for IAEA member states. 

Deputy Minister Kweon also expressed his appreciation for this year’s consultation facilitating in-depth discussions between the two sides on strengthening collaboration in safeguards. He furthermore conveyed optimism for continued engagement between Korea and the IAEA, particularly in regard to IAEA verification measures for North Korean nuclear activities.

In turn, Deputy Director General Aparo reaffirmed the IAEA’s thorough preparedness regarding the verification of North Korea’s nuclear program, and he also noted that safeguards on Korea’s peaceful nuclear activities are being implemented effectively.

Both the ROK and the IAEA agreed that this year’s consultation served as a good opportunity to deepen their mutual understanding on current safeguards issues and contributed to further enhancing Korea-IAEA collaboration. Both sides committed to close communication and continued consultations through this annual dialogue and other channels in the future.