IAEA Chief Strengthens Nuclear Cooperation with Kazakhstan During Official Visit

As part of the visit, President Tokayev awarded Mr Grossi the First-Degree Dostyk (Friendship) Order, one of Kazakhstan’s high state honours.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has concluded an official visit to Kazakhstan aimed at deepening cooperation in nuclear energy, scientific research, food security, and cancer care.

During the visit, Mr Grossi met with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, where discussions focused on the country's expanding civilian nuclear energy ambitions, peaceful uses of nuclear technology, and broader geopolitical developments affecting the global nuclear sector.

The visit underscored Kazakhstan's growing role in international nuclear cooperation and its commitment to using nuclear science and technology to support healthcare, agriculture, scientific advancement, and economic development.

Kazakhstan Honours IAEA Director General

As part of the visit, President Tokayev awarded Mr Grossi the First-Degree Dostyk (Friendship) Order, one of Kazakhstan's high state honours.

The award symbolises the strong partnership between Kazakhstan and the IAEA and recognises continued cooperation across multiple areas of nuclear science and peaceful nuclear applications.

New 10-Year Nuclear Cooperation Roadmap Signed

A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a new long-term cooperation roadmap between Kazakhstan and the IAEA covering the period from 2026 to 2036.

Mr Grossi met with Almassadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency, to formalise the agreement and discuss future collaboration in nuclear energy development.

The roadmap outlines joint work in:

• Nuclear infrastructure development

• Scientific research

• Technical cooperation

• Education and workforce training

• Capacity building

The agreement is intended to support Kazakhstan's plans to expand its civilian nuclear power programme while strengthening national expertise in nuclear science and technology.

Expanding Scientific Research and Food Security Cooperation

The IAEA also signed a separate agreement with the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan to enhance collaboration in nuclear science and research.

The arrangement will support:

• Joint research projects

• Scientific knowledge exchange

• Research capacity development

• Technical cooperation initiatives

One key component includes cooperation under the Atoms4Food initiative, which uses nuclear technologies to improve agricultural productivity and food security.

The partnership will include the application of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), an environmentally friendly method used to control agricultural pests by reducing insect populations through sterilisation techniques.

Officials say the programme could help strengthen food production and agricultural resilience in Kazakhstan and the wider region.

Focus on Cancer Care and Nuclear Medicine

A major focus of Mr Grossi's visit was expanding cooperation in healthcare, particularly cancer diagnosis and treatment using nuclear technologies.

According to officials, more than 19,000 women are diagnosed with cancer in Kazakhstan each year, highlighting the importance of improving access to early detection and specialised treatment services.

At Kazakhstan's National Research Oncology Centre (NROC), Mr Grossi signed a new Practical Arrangement between the IAEA and the centre to strengthen collaboration in:

• Radiation oncology

• Nuclear medicine

• Diagnostic imaging

• Medical physics

• Radiopharmacy

• Radiation safety in medicine

The partnership is expected to improve training opportunities, expand access to advanced medical technologies, and strengthen Kazakhstan's national cancer care capabilities.

Officials say the cooperation could contribute to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment outcomes for patients across the country.

Engagement with Students and Future Nuclear Leaders

Mr Grossi also visited Nazarbayev University, where he delivered a lecture to students about the IAEA's work promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear technology worldwide.

During the lecture, he discussed the Agency's support for Kazakhstan in areas including:

• Nuclear energy development

• Cancer care

• Food security

• Scientific research

The IAEA chief welcomed the strong interest shown by students in science, technology, and the future role of nuclear energy in sustainable development.

Kazakhstan's Strategic Role in Global Nuclear Cooperation

Kazakhstan has long maintained close cooperation with the IAEA and plays a significant role in the global nuclear sector.

The country hosts the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Bank, which serves as an international reserve designed to ensure reliable access to nuclear fuel for peaceful energy programmes worldwide.

The LEU Bank is considered an important component of global nuclear fuel supply assurance and non-proliferation efforts.

The visit reflects Kazakhstan's continued efforts to position itself as a regional and international leader in the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.