Russia ready to establish all conditions for IAEA's effective presence at ZNPP - Rosatom head

MOSCOW. Sept 25 (Interfax) - Russia intends to establish all the necessary conditions to ensure the effective presence of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors at the site of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev said at a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on the sidelines of the 67th session of the IAEA General Conference on Monday.

"The sides discussed the main issues related to the current and prospective agenda for bilateral interaction between Russia and the IAEA. They focused on issues related to the nuclear and physical security of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, which is one of the largest in Europe," Rosatom's digital press center said in a statement.

"Russia intends to continue creating all necessary conditions to ensure the IAEA's effective presence at the station," Likhachev said.

Likhachev confirmed the Russian Federation's support for the work of the IAEA and reaffirmed Russian policies "for the further development of comprehensive cooperation between Russia and the agency," the press center said.

Likhachev and Grossi agreed to continue the current practice of regular working contacts.

Grossi, for his part, confirmed his meeting with Likhachev.

"Timely exchange with Russia's Rosatom Alexey Likhachev today at the IAEA General Conference," Grossi said on the social network X.

"The IAEA is committed to the nuclear safety and security at Zaporozhye NPP where IAEA has maintained permanent presence since September 2022 through our IAEA Support and Assistance Mission at Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) mission," he said.