Statement of the Republic of Armenia at the 70th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference as delivered by H.E. Mr. Andranik Hovhannisyan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia

16 September, 2026

Mr. President,

Mr. Director General,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me begin by congratulating the President of this General Conference, as well as the other members of the General Committee on their elections. Armenia assures you of its full cooperation in achieving the goals of this session.

Over the past 30 years, my country has enjoyed a growing partnership with the Agency across all its pillars, which are central to the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies. We reaffirm our strong support for the Agency’s safeguards system, which remains a fundamental pillar of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. We are proud to be among the countries for which the Agency is able to regularly draw a comprehensive safeguards conclusion regarding the peaceful use of our nuclear materials on an annual basis.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the heart of Armenia’s cooperation with the Agency lies peaceful nuclear energy. The development of nuclear energy forms the basis of Armenia’s sustainable energy future. The Government of Armenia has adopted a policy of maintaining nuclear energy as an essential factor of Armenia’s energy security and as a central component of its electricity mix. In this context, the safe and secure operation of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) is a strategic priority for the Government of Armenia.

Today, at this important conference, I am particularly pleased to note that, just a few days ago, the Unit 2 of the ANPP has been safely connected to the unified power grid of Armenia following recent scheduled maintenance, repair, diagnostic and inspection activities.

Recognizing the exclusive expertise of the Agency in assessing nuclear safety, Armenia consistently hosts peer reviews, advisory services, and follow-up missions, addressing their findings in a timely and transparent manner. Our commitment to the safe long-term operation of the ANPP is further demonstrated by our continued engagement with the Agency’s Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation (SALTO) programme, as well as by the recently carried out Periodic Safety Review, based on the Agency’s guidance. SALTO peer review assessed the progress registered by the previous SALTO missions and provided further expert recommendations for strengthening ageing management and safety practices.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Armenia has launched a programme to extend the operational lifetime of the ANPP until 2036. Today, we are entering an important new chapter in our journey, as we work towards a smooth and secure transition to a new nuclear power unit.

Currently, we are carefully examining available technological options and assessing proposals from international partners. The selection process is guided by the reliability and long-term sustainability, and our commitment to the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation. To this end, our attention is centered on innovations, particularly Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies, which offer promising prospects.

During this process and upon taking a final decision on the specific technology and model for the new power plant, which we are planning to do by the end of 2027, Armenia will ensure full transparency and timely communication with the international community, in strict adherence to its international legal obligations.

In conclusion, let me express our appreciation for the work of the Director General and the Secretariat. The Agency’s mission remains more essential than ever. Armenia will continue to be a constructive partner of the Agency and you can count on our full support.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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