site.btaDeputy Foreign Minister Kondov Represents Bulgaria at International Conference on Nuclear Security in Vienna

Bulgaria was represented by caretaker Deputy Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov at the International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS), the fourth edition of which is taking place in Vienna from 20-24 May 2024 under the motto "Shaping the Future", the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry reported on Tuesday. 

ICONS is a global forum within the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that provides an opportunity to promote international cooperation through the exchange of information, best practices, and innovation in the field of nuclear security.

Kondov participated in the ministerial segment of the conference, alongside other foreign and energy ministers, deputy ministers, and heads of regulatory bodies of IAEA member states. In his remarks, the Deputy Foreign Minister stressed that achieving a high level of nuclear security is key to expanding the reach of nuclear technology and nuclear energy, including to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. He expressed strong support for the central role of the IAEA in promoting international cooperation and facilitating states in implementing their national nuclear security regimes. He emphasized Bulgaria's serious concern about the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine and Russia's unprecedented and illegal seizure of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which pose a huge risk to nuclear security regionally and globally.

The Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister supported IAEA's efforts to mitigate nuclear security risks in Ukraine and stressed the need to comply with the seven pillars of nuclear security and safety in the context of armed conflict and the five specific principles for the protection of the Zaporizhzhia NPP, as outlined by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

Kondov highlighted the cooperation between the IAEA and Bulgaria in the area of capacity building and qualification in nuclear security through the IAEA's support to the Master's degree Programme in nuclear security at the University of National and World Economy.