Plenary

Thank you, Mr President,

1                 On behalf of my delegation, I thank Director General Yukiya Amano for the IAEA’s comprehensive annual report.  We would also like to reiterate our congratulations to DG Amano on his re-election for a third term.  He can count on Singapore’s full support and cooperation.  Singapore is pleased to co-sponsor the draft resolution on the “Report of the IAEA” again, and extend our appreciation to the Permanent Mission of Indonesia for their excellent work in facilitating the resolution. 

2                 Mr President, allow me to make a few brief points on the work of the IAEA.

3                 First, Singapore and the IAEA have developed a strong partnership over the years.  2017 marks the 50^th anniversary of Singapore’s membership to the IAEA.  Singapore joined the IAEA back in 1967, shortly after gaining independence.  Then, Singapore received valuable technical assistance from the IAEA in areas such as cancer treatment and radiation dosimetry to boost our capabilities in critical areas such as public health and radiation protection.  Having benefitted from the IAEA’s development assistance, Singapore is now giving back by working with the IAEA to support fellow developing countries in achieving their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing technical assistance.  We formalised this longstanding partnership with the IAEA through the enhanced Singapore-IAEA Third Country Training Programme Memorandum of Understanding (TCTP MOU) signed during DG Amano’s visit to Singapore in January 2015. Since then, we have hosted many courses, scientific visits and training fellowships and will continue to do more.  Singapore is also currently serving on the IAEA Board of Governors for the term 2016 to 2018, and looks forward to continuing our contributions to the work of the Agency.

4                 Second, we welcome the IAEA’s partnerships at the regional level.  All ten ASEAN Member States have concluded Safeguards Agreements with the IAEA, in line with the provisions of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ).  We also support technical cooperation between the IAEA and the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM).  ASEANTOM is working closely with the IAEA on a Regional Technical Cooperation project to support the establishment of a regional environmental radioactivity database and an emergency preparedness and response framework.  Singapore will continue to contribute to capacity-building activities in the region in areas such as nuclear safety and emergency preparedness and response, through hosting and participating in regional training events. 

5                 Third, Singapore supports the IAEA’s central role in ensuring a strong and sustainable global nuclear safety and security framework.  In this regard, two important meetings have been held since the last debate – the International Conference on Nuclear Security and the 7^th Review Meeting of Contracting Parties to the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS).  We were encouraged by the positive developments at both meetings.  The Ministerial Declaration adopted by consensus at the International Conference on Nuclear Security reflects the collective commitment of Member States to strengthen nuclear security in a comprehensive manner.  At the 7^th Review Meeting of the CNS, we saw a number of Contracting Parties of the CNS apply principles of the 2015 Vienna Declaration on Nuclear Safety to their national requirements. 

6                 Finally, nuclear installations are not immune to cyber-attacks.  Such risks are not imaginary, and must be addressed.  A comprehensive and sustainable national nuclear security architecture must include the element of cyber resiliency.  To this end, Singapore supports the IAEA’s work in developing additional nuclear security guidance on computer and information security for nuclear installations, and related training programmes.

Mr President,

7                 Singapore has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the IAEA for the last 50 years.  We look forward to deepening our cooperation and engagement with the IAEA.  My delegation is confident that our mutual efforts to explore new areas of cooperation will ensure that this relationship continues to flourish for years to come.

8                 I thank you, Mr President.

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