Islamabad, In a significant move to highlight Pakistan’s achievements and future ambitions in nuclear energy, Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar attended the First Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels, Belgium, on March 21, 2024. His participation underscored Pakistan’s commitment to utilizing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and addressing global climate challenges.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the Summit, Minister Dar presented Pakistan’s advancements in employing nuclear technology for electricity generation and stressed the critical role of nuclear energy in mitigating and adapting to climate change. He pointed out Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters and its intent to expand its low-carbon energy sources to ensure a sustainable future.
Minister Dar called for increased international cooperation and support from multilateral financial institutions to bolster energy security in developing countries. He offered Pakistan’s expertise in civilian nuclear technology as a resource for other developing nations.
In a key meeting with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Foreign Minister lauded the IAEA’s efforts to promote the peaceful use of nuclear technology. He articulated Pakistan’s goal to augment the nuclear component of its energy mix and highlighted the pivotal role of technical cooperation from the IAEA, to which Pakistan significantly contributes. Furthermore, Minister Dar advocated for the backing of nuclear energy projects by international banks and financial institutions to help developing countries meet their energy needs and emission targets.
The Foreign Minister’s agenda in Brussels also included bilateral talks with dignitaries from China, Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and the UAE, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation.
Hosted by the Belgian Prime Minister and the IAEA Director General, the Summit provided a vital forum for global leaders to discuss nuclear energy cooperation, the transition from fossil fuels, and avenues for economic growth. This event marked a crucial step in enhancing Pakistan’s collaboration with the IAEA on nuclear science, applications, and power generation.
