Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat reaffirmed Egypt’s position that the peaceful use of nuclear energy is an inherent right of all states under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Speaking in Egypt’s video statement at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Tuesday in Vienna, Esmat said Egypt continues research and development in peaceful nuclear applications in line with Egypt Vision 2030.
He said Egypt supports technological advances in nuclear energy and closely follows IAEA efforts to develop small modular reactors and other emerging technologies.
He stressed the need to ensure safe and responsible use of nuclear reactors without imposing additional conditions or restrictions on access to them.
Esmat highlighted Egypt’s peaceful nuclear power programme at the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, describing it as an important step towards sustainable development and the localisation of advanced technology.
He said major equipment for the first unit was completed in 2026, while work continues on all four units.
He also stressed Egypt’s commitment to the highest nuclear and radiological safety standards.
An IAEA review mission in July concluded that Egypt has a comprehensive and established regulatory system covering its nuclear and radiological facilities and activities.
Esmat reiterated Egypt’s rejection of attempts to make accession to the voluntary Additional Protocol a precondition for cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy.
He also called for intensified efforts to achieve universal application of safeguards in the Middle East.
He said Egypt will again submit a resolution on IAEA safeguards in the region, supporting efforts to establish a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
