Nino Utiashvili Holds Bilateral Meetings at the 69th IAEA General Conference
Within the framework of the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Nino Utiashvili, Head of the Agency for Nuclear and Radiation Safety of Georgia, held a series of bilateral meetings with representatives of counterpart agencies from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
In her meeting with the leadership of the regulatory body and the agency responsible for radioactive waste management of Azerbaijan, the two sides emphasized that their partnership provides a solid foundation for experience-sharing and the implementation of international standards. The discussion focused on new cooperation formats, including the development of joint criteria, enhanced communication between technical experts, and the possibility of forming joint working groups.
During the meeting with Turkey’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority and the State Technical Support Organization, the Turkish side presented an overview of its nuclear sector development and regulatory practices. Both parties exchanged experiences related to implementing recommendations from IAEA missions, highlighting the value of cross-border collaboration in enhancing regional security.
Utiashvili also met with Rafikov Abduvakos Vohidovich, Chairman of the Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety of Uzbekistan, and Tashkentbayev Ibragim, Director of the Scientific and Engineering Center for Radiation and Nuclear Safety. Discussions covered Uzbekistan’s plans for nuclear energy development and emphasized knowledge-sharing in radioactive waste management and research reactor decommissioning.
Additionally, a meeting with the Director of Tajikistan’s Agency for Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Nuclear Safety and Security focused on deepening bilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to initiate relations with the signing of a memorandum of understanding. The Tajik side extended an invitation to Utiashvili for an official visit, while Georgia expressed interest in collaborating with Tajikistan’s IAEA-recognized Regional Training Center.
