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State Minister Sakai Attends the 67th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

September 27, 2023

On September 25 (Mon.) and 26 (Tue.), 2023, Mr. Sakai Yasuyuki, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, attended the 67th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held in Vienna, Austria, and also participated in a variety of events, including a side event titled “Reconstruction and Decommissioning in Fukushima” hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). In addition, State Minister Sakai exchanged views with H.E. Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director General, and the delegations of the U.S. and France on certain issues, including the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea and cooperation in the use of nuclear energy.

1. General Debate at the 67th IAEA General Conference and Side Event

State Minister Sakai attended the general debate of the 67th IAEA General Conference. He also participated in a side event titled “Reconstruction and Decommissioning in Fukushima" hosted by METI and explained the progress of the reconstruction of Fukushima and that in the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, including the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea.

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State Minister Sakai providing explanation
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A scene from the event
 

Overview

Date and time:

September 26, 2023, from 9:00 to 10:45

Venue:

IAEA Headquarters Building

Attendees from the Japanese side:

METI, the Ministry of the Environment, the Nuclear Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation, and Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc.

Participants:

About 130 people from the IAEA member countries and other organizations

At the side event, the attendees from the Japanese side shared with and conveyed to international participants the progress made in the reconstruction of Fukushima Prefecture which was affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake as well as the current status of the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and the knowledge gained through the decommissioning activities. Following this, discussions were held based on questions from the participants.

2. Opening ceremony for a Japan booth at the IAEA General Conference

State Minister Sakai attended an opening ceremony for a Japan booth which communicates Japan’s efforts in nuclear energy and green transformation (GX) to participants in the IAEA General Conference.

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From the left: State Minister Sakai, Ms. Takaichi Sanae, Minister of State for Special Missions, and Mr. Arai Shiro, President of the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum Inc.

3. Reception held by the representatives of the Government of Japan and the Permanent Mission of Japan

State Minister Sakai participated in a reception held by the representatives of the Government of Japan and the Permanent Mission of Japan, and delivered an address.

The reception offered guests sushi made of Fukushima-made rice and sake produced in Fukushima.

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State Minister Sakai delivering an address

4. Meetings with IAEA Director General and the delegations of the U.S. and France

State Minister Sakai held individual meetings with each of IAEA Director General Grossi, H.E. Ms. Jill Hruby, Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S., and H.E. Mr. François Jacq, Chairman, Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) of France. He exchanged views with each of them on collaboration in the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, cooperation in the use of nuclear energy, and other issues.

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State Minister Sakai and IAEA Director General Grossi
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Meeting with Chairman Jacq, CEA
 
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Meeting with Under Secretary Hruby, NNSA

Related Link

Division in Charge

Nuclear Accident Response Office, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy

Related website