Minister Turković Talks with IAEA Director General



Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dr Bisera Turković talked in Vienna with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi.

Minister Turković expressed her support to ZODIAC Project (Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action), launched in June 2020, in order to assist countries in prevention of epidemics caused by bacteria, parasites, fungus or viruses, which stem from animals and which might be transferred to people.

Minister said BIH is expected to become a member of the IAEA in 2022, and she expressed her deep gratitude for equipment for testing to Covid-19, provided to hospital centres in Sarajevo and Banja Luka, and asked for IAEA support for development of radiotherapy centre in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

She reminded the Director General of an issue of Trgovska Gora. Although BIH is aware of the IAEA position on non-interference into bilateral relations, yet, as she put it, it would be highly appreciated if IAEA would assist in setting standards for holding the process.

Director General Grossi said the IAEA is ready for a continued cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina and strengthening of the existing relations, adding that the International Atomic Energy Agency will secure instruments for radiotherapy and transfer of knowledge and experience.

It was explained that the IAEA cannot offer mediation, but it can offer talks with both sides, so that both sides would understand the circumstances in a whole. A technical dialogue would be desirable to take place and the IAEA supports both sides to get involved into the process, in order to arrive at a conclusion.

(end)