Vietnam hails IAEA’s assistance in nuclear power infrastructure In this file photo, a Vietnamese researcher stands inside the Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute in the Central Highlands city of Da Lat. Tuoi Tre Vietnam treasures the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s assistance towards Vietnam, among over 30 other countries, in building the infrastructure necessary for use of nuclear power, a senior Vietnamese official has said. The statement was made by Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Permanent Representative of Vietnam at the United Nations at a plenary session of the General Assembly on “Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency” held in New York on Monday, the Vietnam News Agency reported. Speaking at the event, Nga said Vietnam commends the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its achievements in all three pillars, namely science and technology, safety and security, and safeguards and verification. “We applaud the IAEA’s continued efforts to assist over 30 countries, including Vietnam, in preparing the infrastructure necessary for introducing nuclear power into their energy mix,” she said. The IAEA has been assisting Vietnam in implementing over 200 technical cooperation projects with a total disbursement of over US$15 million since 2000, Ambassador Nga said. She affirmed that Vietnam, as the Chair of the IAEA Board of Governors for the term of 2013-2014, has made active contributions to the implementation of the IAEA’s objectives and missions. She also emphasized that Vietnam supports the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology for development in line with the international obligations. Last year, in close collaboration with the IAEA, Vietnam prepared feasibility studies of two sites for its first nuclear power plants, Ambassador Nga said. “Vietnam is strongly committed to peaceful use of nuclear energy,” Nga said, adding that the country will conduct nuclear power programs to the highest safety standards. Tuoitrenews