Bahrain participates in 69th IAEA Regular Session in Vienna
Vienna, Sep. 17 (BNA): A delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain, headed by Brigadier Samir Ahmed Al Zayani, First Deputy Chairman of the National Committee on the Prohibition of Weapons of Mass Destruction and a representative of the Bahrain Defence Force, participated in the 69th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held in Vienna from September 15-19.
The delegation included Ambassador Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla, Permanent Representative of Bahrain to the United Nations Office in Geneva; Shaikh Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, along with representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the Supreme Council for Environment.
Brigadier Al Zayani delivered Bahrain’s statement, congratulating Ambassador Peter Burian of the Slovak Republic on his election as conference president and commending the efforts of the previous president. He expressed Bahrain’s appreciation for Director General Rafael Grossi’s leadership and the Agency’s achievements reported in the annual report.
The head of delegation highlighted the need to enhance constructive dialogue and uphold shared responsibility regarding nuclear weapons proliferation, reiterating the Kingdom’s commitment to the UN Charter, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and related agreements. He emphasised the legitimate right of all states to peaceful uses of nuclear energy under strict legal and regulatory safeguards ensuring safety and transparency.
He renewed Bahrain’s call for a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and all weapons of mass destruction, urging all regional nuclear facilities to be subject to comprehensive international oversight. He also noted the Agency’s crucial role in verification, monitoring, and technical assistance, especially in education, training, and capacity building for developing countries.
Brigadier Al Zayani highlighted Bahrain’s interest in expanding international nuclear partnerships, including a cooperation agreement with the United States of America on peaceful nuclear energy uses, which provides a framework for technical exchange, research, education, and national workforce development. He commended the National Committee’s role in implementing international treaties and preparing national legislation to ensure the safety and security of radioactive materials and protect personnel in this vital sector.
He concluded by underlining Bahrain’s commitment to advance collaboration with the IAEA and other states to support security, stability, and sustainable development. He thanked the Agency and international partners for their efforts and wished the conference success.
