Saturday, 18 July 2026
Egypt Minister, IAEA chief discuss nuclear cooperation and Middle East tensions
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi in Vienna on Thursday to discuss nuclear cooperation and escalating tensions in the Middle East, Egypt’s foreign ministry said.
Abdelatty praised the “continuous cooperation and coordination” between Egypt and the IAEA, citing Grossi’s recent participation in a ceremony to install the reactor pressure vessel for the second unit at Egypt’s planned Dabaa nuclear power plant.
The minister also thanked the agency for its technical support for Egypt’s peaceful nuclear programme, including the construction of the Dabaa plant, assistance to research reactors and the training of Egyptian specialists.
The two officials exchanged views on the latest escalation in the Middle East, with Abdelatty outlining Egypt’s efforts and contacts with regional and international parties to contain tensions and prevent further escalation.
He stressed the need to prioritise political and diplomatic solutions and warned against steps that could widen the conflict, threatening regional stability, international trade, global supply chains and energy markets.
Grossi praised Egypt’s partnership with the IAEA and its progress on the Dabaa project, describing it as one of Africa’s most significant peaceful nuclear energy projects, the ministry said.
He also commended Egypt’s efforts to support regional stability and promote diplomatic solutions to the crises affecting the Middle East.