The IAEA has shipped more than 1260 consignments of equipment and supplies for detection and diagnosis of the COVID-19 virus to 123 countries in the largest operation in the Agency’s history, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told the IAEA Board of Governors today.
He also briefed the 35-nation Board on his recent visit to Tehran, during which he reached agreement with the Iranian authorities on some key safeguards issues, and outlined his plans to complete the modernisation of the IAEA nuclear applications laboratories.
“More than 1,260 consignments of equipment for virus detection and diagnosis and other supplies have been delivered, or are in transit, to 123 countries,” Mr Grossi said. “I am proud of the efforts of IAEA staff, who went the extra mile to make this happen, and grateful for the support of Member States, which made it possible.”
“Fighting the coronavirus will remain our top priority until the pandemic is finally defeated,” he added.
On Iran, the Director General said his discussions with President Rouhani and other senior officials in August had led to agreement on a number of issues, including access to two locations in Iran which had been requested by the IAEA.
Agency inspectors had subsequently visited one of the locations, taking environmental samples for analysis. The second location will be visited later this month.
“I welcome the agreement between the Agency and Iran, which I hope will reinforce cooperation and enhance mutual trust,” Mr Grossi said.
He noted that the Agency continues to verify the non-diversion of nuclear material declared by Iran under its Safeguards Agreement. Evaluations regarding the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities for Iran continue.