On 18 February 2014, Colombia deposited its instrument of ratification of the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) with the IAEA.
Ms. Nohra Maria Quintero Correa, from the Colombian Permanent Mission to the Agency, presented the document to Director General Yukiya Amano at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna.
The Director General congratulated Colombia and expressed his appreciation for its cooperation with the Agency on strengthening nuclear security at home and worldwide. Colombia's action demonstrated its strong national commitment to improving nuclear security, he added.
"Entry into force of the Amendment is vitally important for strengthening physical protection and nuclear security throughout the world," the Director General said. "The Amendment protects nuclear material in domestic use, transport and storage, and protects nuclear facilities against acts of terrorism."
With the deposit by Colombia of its instrument of ratification, there are now 73 Contracting States to the Amendment to the CPPNM. Ratification by an additional 26 States is still required for the Amendment to enter into force.
The Director General said helping to achieve entry into force was a high priority for the IAEA.
"There is now strong momentum towards entry into force. I hope this will happen in the near future," he added.