Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 5 March, as part of Uzbekistan’s delegation visit to Austria, the Director of the Uzatom Agency, Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, met with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi.

Rafael Grossi praised the large-scale reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and highlighted the achievements in bilateral cooperation, particularly in light of his official visit to Tashkent and Samarkand on 4–5 December 2024.

The talks focused on key aspects of the partnership, including the implementation of ongoing projects, promising areas of collaboration, and regulatory and legal frameworks in the field of nuclear technologies.

Special attention was given to Uzbekistan’s accession to international legal instruments in the field of nuclear safety and non-proliferation. In this context, the IAEA expressed its readiness to send a team of international legal experts to provide support in aligning national legislation with modern requirements and fulfilling international obligations.

A significant part of the discussions was devoted to initiatives included in the cooperation roadmap, particularly the "Ray of Hope" and "ZODIAC" projects, as well as the development of radiation and isotope technologies.

Additionally, the parties explored the organization of an advanced training school for specialists in small modular reactors at the Tashkent branch and Uzbekistan’s potential participation in the Atoms4Food program. This initiative aims to enhance food security and introduce advanced nuclear technologies in agriculture, including cotton cultivation in accordance with IAEA international standards.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Rafael Grossi commended Uzbekistan’s strategic initiatives in nuclear energy and technology, noting their innovative and forward-looking nature. He emphasized the country’s commitment to international cooperation and reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s status as a key IAEA partner in the region.