IAEA chief to visit S. Korea next week for nuclear energy discussions

Yonhap News Kim Seung-yeon KO 2026-04-09 08:27
SEOUL, April 9 (Yonhap) -- The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (...
By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, April 9 (Yonhap) -- The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will visit South Korea next week for consultations on nuclear energy, North Korea and other issues, the foreign ministry said Thursday.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi will make a two-day trip to Seoul from Tuesday, during which he plans to meet Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and other officials here, ministry spokesperson Park Il said in a press briefing.

Grossi's upcoming visit comes as South Korea is pushing to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, and secure the right to uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for civilian use under a deal with the United States.

Cho and Grossi are expected to have broad discussions on issues of mutual concern, including the situation in the Middle East, North Korea's nuclear issues and cooperation on nuclear safety technology, Park said.

"We expect the meeting will serve as a good opportunity to contribute to promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the international community, based on South Korea's strong nuclear energy capabilities," he said.

The process for acquiring nuclear-powered submarines would require Seoul to sign a separate agreement with the IAEA to meet inspection requirements and other safeguards, in addition to a deal with Washington.

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