Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun (right) on April 15 speaks to International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi at the ministry compound in Seoul's Jongno-gu District. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
By Hong Angie
Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun on April 15 hosted talks at his ministry's compound in Seoul's Jongno-gu District with Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Seoul's bid to build its own nuclear-powered submarines, North Korea's nuclear program and developments in the Middle East.
Minister Cho asked for the IAEA's active cooperation in accommodating Seoul's long-standing goal of building such submarines, saying, "The Republic of Korea is fully compliant with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and is a country that complies with the world's highest standards for safeguards."
He also reaffirmed transparent and close communication with the IAEA in the process of introducing the submarines.
The IAEA chief praised Korea's full implementation of NPT rules and said he looked forward to close cooperation.
Both sides also discussed the Korean Peninsula and North Korea's nuclear ambition. Minister Cho explained Seoul's efforts to end inter-Korean hostility and confrontation to build peaceful coexistence and joint growth in the region.
Saying the North's nuclear program remains a key IAEA issue, Director General Grossi expressed support for Seoul's diplomatic support in this regard. Mentioning his agency's readiness to verify Pyeongyang's nuclear program, he expressed hope for continued cooperation with South Korea.
Turning to the Middle East, Minister Cho expressed deep concern over the situation there and his hope that ceasefire talks between the U.S. and Iran lead to peace and stability in the region. He also stressed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for all vessels including those from Korea.
The IAEA head shared the minister's concerns and discussed his views on geopolitical situations including Iran's nuclear facilities and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine.
shong9412@korea.kr
