The Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Giorgio Silli, led the Italian delegation to the 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held in Vienna from 15 to 19 September.

During his national statement, the Undersecretary emphasized that only a diplomatic solution to the Iranian file can guarantee lasting stability in the region, reaffirming Italy’s willingness to facilitate dialogue. He also drew attention to the nuclear security risks stemming from the Russian aggression in Ukraine, referring to Russia’s illegitimate presence at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Silli recalled the IAEA’s contribution to the country’s reconstruction, including the agreement signed between the agency and Ukraine on the occasion of the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Rome last July. The Undersecretary also condemned the ongoing illegal development of North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes, and expressed the hope that the Syrian dossier can finally be resolved.

The Undersecretary then held a meeting with Director General Grossi, focused on the growing technical-scientific cooperation between the agency and Italy, and inaugurated the Italian exhibition pavilion in the presence of many Italian officials and researchers who work with the agency.

“The synergy between public bodies, research institutes, universities and industry has fostered in Italy an environment conducive to innovation, and this has made our country a point of reference at the international level for research and development in such a critical and rapidly evolving sector as nuclear technology for sustainable development", he concluded on the occasion of the ceremony that recognized the Policlinico "Agostino Gemelli" as the fifth Italian collaboration centre of the agency.

Finally, he participated in the inauguration of the agency’s new visitors’ centre.