Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the International Organizations in Vienna presented his letters of credence to the Director General of the IAEA

On 10 June, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Lithuania to International Organizations in Vienna, Ambassador Kęstutis Kudzmanas, presented his letters of credence to the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi.

During the meeting with the IAEA Director General, Kudzmanas stressed the need to further strengthen international efforts to ensure nuclear safety and security at Ukraine's nuclear facilities amid Russia's continued military aggression. He highlighted the IAEA's key role in this area and thanked the Director General for his personal contribution to reducing the risk of nuclear incidents resulting from Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure. "Lithuania highly values the assistance provided by the IAEA to Ukraine and supports the continued presence of the Agency's experts at the country's nuclear facilities," said the Lithuanian representative.

The Ambassador also raised concerns about nuclear safety at the Belarusian nuclear power plant near Lithuania's border and reaffirmed Lithuania's commitment to close cooperation with the IAEA to promptly address all nuclear safety issues.

The meeting covered other key items on the IAEA's agenda, with Ambassador Kudzmanas emphasising the need for Iran's full and transparent cooperation with the IAEA to address international concerns about its nuclear program.

Kudzmanas also shared Lithuania's experience in decommissioning nuclear power plants and safely managing radioactive waste, and discussed with the Director General the prospects for integrating small modular reactors into the energy system.

Lithuania has been elected to the IAEA Board of Governors for the 2025-2027 term and is actively involved in shaping the Agency's agenda.

Photo: IAEA