Statement at the International Atomic Energy Agency's 69th General Conference

Delivered by Ms. Līga Kurevska, State Secretary of the Ministry of Climate and Energy of the Republic of Latvia,

Vienna, Austria, 16 September 2025

Mr. President,

Excellences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me begin by warmly congratulating you on your election as President of this Conference. I look forward to working under your leadership and guidance.

Latvia fully aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. In addition, I would like to offer a few remarks in my national capacity.

Mr. President,

Latvia remains deeply concerned by the ongoing erosion of the global non-proliferation architecture, as nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as the integrity of international arms control commitments face mounting challenges. Particularly,

Latvia unequivocally condemns Russia’s unprovoked and illegal aggression against Ukraine. The occupation and militarization of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) by Russian forces represents an unprecedented threat to nuclear safety and security.

We are deeply troubled that nuclear safety and security at the Zaporizhzhia continues to be precarious, with many of the key nuclear safety and security principles being compromised fully or partially. Latvia is profoundly grateful for the Agency’s sustained efforts to maintain the continued presence of the Agency’s Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya under these extremely challenging conditions.

Russia’s irresponsible actions have put not only Ukraine but also the global nuclear safety and security institutions under unprecedented strain. Latvia is grateful for the Agency’s continued provision of independent, fact-based reporting, which contributes meaningfully to transparency and strengthens public and international confidence in nuclear oversight.

Mr. President,

Latvia is deeply concerned by Iran's persistent non-compliance with its Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action commitments and that its assurances to cooperate with the Agency have remained without meaningful progress. The recent invocation of the snapback mechanism underscores the seriousness of its violations. Latvia takes note of the announcement earlier this month that an agreement was reached between Iran and the Agency on the technical measures to resume inspections of the Iranian nuclear sites. We look forward to immediate implementation of this agreement and

urge Iran to take immediate and verifiable steps to restore compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and to return to full cooperation with the Agency in line with its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.

Furthermore, Latvia condemns the DPRK’s continued advancements of its nuclear weapons program and the provocative ballistic missile tests. These actions violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and heighten regional instability. Latvia supports the Agency’s readiness to monitor and verify DPRK’s nuclear program once conditions permit meaningful engagement.

Mr. President,

Latvia strongly supports the safe, secure, and sustainable use of nuclear energy and we  value the Agency’s role in supporting Member States towards enhancing nuclear safety, and fostering innovation in the fields of nuclear energy, medicine, plastic pollution reduction, agriculture and others.

We note this year’s Scientific Forum’s theme “Atoms for Water”, which highlights the crucial contribution of nuclear technologies in addressing water challenges worldwide. Latvia appreciates this focus, as it directly relates to global sustainability and climate resilience.

Mr. President,

As part of our continuous economic growth and strides towards energy independence Latvia is currently assessing the role of nuclear energy in our future energy mix.

While we see this as a new and exciting chapter in Lativa’s energy sector, we approach this process with caution, carefully weighing the possible benefits against strict safety and security requirements. Based on the pre-study presented this year to our Parliament, the Cabinet of Ministers has initiated the first preparatory phase of a national nuclear energy programme that will serve as the basis to further decision making. This phase includes an assessment of the legal framework, safety standards, infrastructure needs, workforce readiness, as well as the necessary steps towards public engagement.

Our goal is to deliver a comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation that will guide our strategic choices, strengthen international cooperation, attract investment, and raise public awareness.

Mr. President,

To strengthen our national regulatory framework, last year Latvia welcomed  Integrated Regulatory Review Service follow-up mission and we are committed to fully implement its recommendations. This year we look forward to host Emergency Preparedness Review mission which will be held in Latvia next month and will review Latvia’s emergency preparedness and response framework for nuclear and radiological emergencies in Latvia.

Latvia also continues to contribute to regional cooperation. Over the past year, our health care institutions accepted five fellows in nuclear medicine and diagnostic imaging and until the end of this year will host two  more.  We are open to continue to support the Agency’s  exchange/ technical cooperation programme also in future.

Under the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Programme current planning cycle (2024–2025 cycle), Latvia successfully implemented three national projects aimed at improving control in radioactive waste management, strengthening the national regulatory infrastructure for radiation safety, and enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare through improved diagnostic radiology and radiation therapy services.

For the upcoming 2026–2027 planning cycle, Latvia has submitted three new national projects focusing on strengthening the culture of radiation safety in medical exposure, improving the expertise of regulatory personnel, and enhancing knowledge, skills, and technical capacity in cancer diagnosis, stereotactic radiotherapy treatment, and pediatric diagnostics in radiology.

We are deeply grateful to the Agency for the opportunities it has provided to Latvia’s institutions to strengthen their competence in various areas of radiation protection, nuclear safety and security.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, Latvia reaffirms our strong support for the Agency’s work across its mandate. We highly value the Agency’s crucial role in promoting nuclear safety, security and safeguards worldwide, as well as in addressing global challenges through science and technology.

Thank you.