22. September 2020.
Statement by Delegation of Republic of Serbia to IAEA 64th General Conference

The delegation of the Republic of Serbia today gave its statement to the IAEA 64th General Conference.

On behalf of the Republic of Serbia, the Deputy Head of Serbian delegation Milan Gojković congratulated the President of 64 the General Conference on his election and welcomed the applications of the Republic of Guinea nad the Independent State of Samoa to the Agency.

he Deputy Head Milan Gojković expressed his gratitude on the assistance Serbia had received from the IAEA during the outbreak and rapid spread of COVID-19 virus. He pointed out that 227,286.400 euros worth of equipment for three specialized RT-PCR units significantly upgraded our capacities in the early detection of the infection carriers.

“By providing similar assistance to additional 124 countries worldwide, the Agency once again demonstrated commitment to contribute to the benefit of the entire human kind. Serbia is convinced that only through common approach, the global challenges resulting from COVID-19 pandemic can be efficiently and permanently overcome. In view of that, Serbia is ready, in accordance with its capacities, to provide its full contribution“, said the Deputy Head of Serbian delegation.

He also pointed out that Serbia reaffirms its commitment to the IAEA fundamental principles in terms of safe and secure use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

„Our country will continue to support all IAEA efforts to strengthen and upgrade the efficient implementation of Safeguards, in compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. This confirms our commitment to combating all threats arising from nuclear terrorism. Serbia will also continue emphasizing the importance of nuclear safety and security of radioactive sources and contribute to global efforts aimed at reinforcing efficient mechanisms of combating illicit transfer of nuclear material and other radiation sources by improving their physical protection and by putting orphan sources under control“, said the Deputy Head of Serbian delegation.

He reminded the attending that Serbia is fully committed to further strengthening of its legal and regulatory framework regarding radiation and nuclear safety and security in line with the international standards i EU acquis.

„The priorities of my country, now more than ever, remain to be the protection of public health and environment and exclusively peaceful use of nuclear energy. Serbia will continue to fulfill all its obligations stemming from the relevant international conventions and to apply the Code of Conduct on radioactive sources, in line with the high importance we attach to these IAEA documents for enhancing radiation sources safety and security”, added the Deputy Head of Serbian delegation.

He particularly emphasiszed the importance of Technical Cooperation Programme for the Republic of Serbia, whose support was fundamentaly important during the hardship caused by COVID-19 virus, and underlined that our country is currently participating in numerous national, regional and international projects despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

„Let me stress that Serbia fully supports the IAEA 2019 Annual Report and the 2021 programmes and budget, and that we will consistently continue our full support of the IAEA and Secretariat activities, and will remain devoted to fundamental IAEA principles of safe and secure use of nuclear energy“, concluded the Deputy Head of Serbian delegation.

Statement by Delegation of Republic of Serbia