The Minister of Energy and Mines, Antonio Almonte, expressed on Monday the Dominican Republic’s support for the IAEA’s initiatives for the promotion of peace and dialogue in conflict management and nuclear non-proliferation, during his speech at the 67th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which brings together representatives of the Agency’s member states, non-member states and invited organizations.
In his speech, the Minister stressed the importance of safeguarding nuclear facilities, material and equipment, in the midst of growing international tension.
He also highlighted the IAEA’s expansion in the application of nuclear radiation for health, agriculture, environment and energy development.
Referring to the benefits for the Dominican Republic derived from its membership in this organization, the official mentioned the IAEA’s history of cooperation in areas such as radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, agriculture and the environment. He also highlighted the support in the training of Dominican technical and clinical personnel.
He also thanked the contributions to the country to address the health crisis caused by COVID-19, to control the outbreak of African swine fever and to eliminate the fruit fly or Mediterranean fruit fly plague that seriously damaged agricultural production in 2017.
Later, Almonte expressed the country’s interest in research on nutrition, energy metabolism to prevent obesity, the development of the technique to assess the digestibility and utilization of proteins in the diet of vulnerable populations.
Among the topics of interest mentioned was the development of new technologies for small nuclear reactors to produce energy. He also referred to the recent project for a network of research laboratories in Latin America and the Caribbean to share experiences and knowledge in this field.
The right to vote was recently recovered by the Dominican Republic as a result of the Government’s efforts and the strengthening of diplomatic relations in international organizations.
The 67th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be held from 19 to 23 September 2023 in Vienna, Austria, to decide on issues related to nuclear science, technology and applications, nuclear and radiation safety, nuclear security, nuclear safety, IAEA safeguards and technical cooperation. It has a scientific forum on topical issues in the nuclear field.
The General Conference is the supreme body of the IAEA and has been held annually since 1957. Its objective is to promote the peaceful, safe and responsible use of nuclear energy for the benefit of mankind and the environment.
Source:presidencia.gov.do
