On July 18, in Vienna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met with Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The meeting took place within the framework of the Minister's working visit to Austria.

The interlocutors commended the effective and close cooperation established between Armenia and the IAEA aimed at strengthening the capacities in the field of nuclear safety and energy in Armenia, as well as at the peaceful and secure use of nuclear energy.

During the meeting, a number of issues on the Armenia-IAEA inclusive agenda were discussed, views were exchanged on the projects implemented in the areas of energy, health care, environment and on prospects for the expansion of the cooperation. Rafael Grossi commended the active involvement and support of the Republic of Armenia in the IAEA initiatives, including Armenia’s accession to the statement "On Atomic Energy", which will be presented within the framework of the UN Climate Change Conference. Both sides highlighted the importance of Armenia's participation in the “Rays of Hope” program of the IAEA to ensure progress in the field of oncology and, in particular, radiation medicine.

Touching upon the activities of the IAEA and programs implemented within the framework of the safe operation of the Armenian nuclear power plant and the long-term successful experience in that direction, both sides stressed the need to keep the issue of safe use of nuclear energy away from groundless political speculations.

Issues on the security situation in the region were also on the agenda of the meeting.