Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you, Mr President.
I wish to thank Director-General Grossi for his presentation this morning.
New Zealand is pleased to cosponsor and support this resolution concerning the International Atomic Energy Agency’s annual report. The report constitutes a factual and objective record of the Agency’s activities over the past year.
The IAEA is an integral component of the international rules-based order. It is testament to the Agency’s good work that demand from Member States for the Agency’s services, advice, and support has never been higher, as the report shows.
New Zealand is a steadfast supporter of the Agency, and we commend it for its commitment to faithfully fulfilling its mandate with diligence and professionalism, notwithstanding the serious challenges that confront its work.
One of the foremost challenges continues to be Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and its unjustifiable and unprecedented nuclear threats, which have imposed a considerable strain on the Agency’s resources. In recognition of this tremendous pressure, New Zealand made our largest ever extra-budgetary contribution of $500,000 earlier this year to support the Agency’s critical efforts to maintain nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine.
The Agency’s stabilising presence in Ukraine is an explicit demonstration of the IAEA’s substantial and valuable contribution to international peace and security. As the report shows, however, it is but one of the many ways the IAEA serves the international community. Accordingly, we urge all Member States to lend the Agency their full support and cooperation to facilitate its important work.
I thank you.