Vienna: Morocco on Monday reiterated its strong support for the technical cooperation program of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as well as its commitment to "sharing its experience and expertise through South-South and triangular cooperation."
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Morocco's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna expressed this support during the IAEA Board of Governors meeting held from June 8 to 12 in the Austrian capital. The ambassador emphasized Morocco's endorsement of the Technical Cooperation Programme, highlighting its importance as one of the Agency's key statutory functions.
During the meeting, under agenda item 3 devoted to the Agency's 2025 Annual Report, the ambassador commended the progress made by the IAEA under the leadership of Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. He noted the significant contributions of nuclear applications in areas such as energy security, food security, water resource management, environmental protection, and health.
Regarding technical cooperation, the diplomat highlighted the IAEA's implementation of 178 national projects and 19 regional projects in Africa in 2025. The agency also awarded 843 fellowships and scientific visits, facilitated the participation of 1,357 individuals in training activities, and organized 32 regional training courses.
The ambassador praised the Technical Cooperation Fund's implementation rate, which reached 99.6% by the end of 2025, and the achievements of the Agency's flagship initiatives, including Atoms4Food, NUTEC Plastics, Rays of Hope, and ZODIAC. These initiatives provide support to member states through capacity-building, knowledge transfer, and partnership mobilization.
Morocco reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the IAEA's role in promoting peace, development, and prosperity. The ambassador also emphasized Morocco's dedication to improving technical cooperation and sharing expertise with African countries.
Highlighting Morocco's efforts, the ambassador noted the May 2025 organization of a Research Reactor School in Morocco aimed at training young professionals in reactor physics, safe operation, and research reactor applications. He underscored the importance of maintaining high standards of nuclear safety and security, with each member state bearing primary responsibility in these areas.
Under agenda item 4, addressing the IAEA Technical Cooperation Report, the ambassador reiterated Morocco's commitment to sharing its experience through South-South and triangular cooperation. This is particularly pertinent within the framework of the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development, and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology.
The ambassador highlighted the contribution of Moroccan institutions, noting that the National Center for Energy, Sciences and Nuclear Techniques has organized several specialized training sessions and scientific events for experts from over forty African member states. He announced that CNESTEN will host the 37th Meeting of the AFRA Technical Working Group on June 15, 2026, ahead of Morocco's chairmanship of the agreement for the 2026-2027 period.
The ambassador also underscored the role of the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security, which continues to provide support as an IAEA Collaborating Centre and Capacity-Building Centre to African regulatory authorities.
In conclusion, the ambassador called for an evaluation meeting open to all member states to collectively review the results of the IAEA's flagship initiatives, exchange experiences, and identify ways to enhance their effectiveness and long-term impact.