Category: Russian Language

Posted on

The Chinese market remains vital for Japanese companies, according to a report.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, October 22 (Xinhua) — The Chinese market remains crucial for Japanese companies even after Japan's direct investment in China declined further last year due to a combination of domestic and external factors, according to a recently published report by the Institute of Japanese Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The 2025 Blue Book on the Japanese Economy examines Japan's economy in the changing global economic environment.

It is noted that in 2024, the complementary nature of bilateral Sino-Japanese trade remained clearly pronounced despite the growing asymmetry of trade interdependence between the two countries.

According to the report, this year has seen opportunities for China and Japan to deepen cooperation, even as bilateral relations face challenges such as rising protectionism, fragmented supply chains and slowing economic growth.

The authors of the blue book call on the two countries to deepen economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as cooperation in third-country markets within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The report also notes the opportunity to realize synergies through structural complementarities and expand cooperation in areas such as the “silver economy” (economic activity related to the needs and interests of the older generation), achieving the “dual carbon targets” (peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060), and the digital economy.

The report provides a systematic analysis and review of Japan's macroeconomic indicators, key economic policy priorities, and future trends in its economy. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

China has successfully developed a path of urban development with Chinese characteristics, according to Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, October 22 (Xinhua) – China has undergone the largest and fastest urbanization process in the world, successfully developing an urban development path with Chinese characteristics. This was stated by Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui in an article published Wednesday in the Russian newspaper Moskovsky Komsomolets.

"Since the beginning of its reform and opening-up policies, China has undergone the largest and fastest urbanization process in the world, successfully developing an urban development path with Chinese characteristics. Particularly since the 18th Congress of the Communist Party of China, historic achievements have been achieved in urban development," the diplomat noted, emphasizing that China consistently adheres to the concept of "people's cities built by the people and run for the people."

As noted in the publication, in July of this year, the CPC Central Committee held a meeting on urban work, which clearly defined the need to further implement the concept of the "people's city," make promoting high-quality urban development a key task, focus efforts on optimizing the modern urban system, and adhere to the course of meaningful development with such characteristic features as "innovation, comfortable living conditions, environmental friendliness and low-carbon emissions, safety and reliability, civilized and intelligent."

"The continuous improvement of the level of urban governance is a clear manifestation of people's democracy in China, convincing proof of the effectiveness of the Chinese governance model, and a bright page in the process of Chinese-style modernization," Zhang Hanhui said.

The ambassador recalled that for many years, China has been promoting the redevelopment of older urban areas across the country, taking local conditions into account, and encouraging local initiatives to develop community-driven renovation models for older housing. "In 2025, for the first time, a government report set the goal of building 'quality housing'—safe, comfortable, environmentally friendly, and smart—reflecting the state's commitment to meeting the people's new expectations," the diplomat explained, adding that China simultaneously continues to strengthen environmental governance, making the principle of "Open the window and see greenery; step outside and find yourself in a park" a norm in urban life.

As Zhang Hanhui explained, in developing cities, China places special emphasis on addressing the most pressing and pressing issues facing urban residents. "Today, the idea of 'not picking up things dropped by others on the street and not locking doors at night' is no longer a distant ideal from ancient texts. It has gradually become a reality in modern Chinese society, achieved through the introduction of technology and active citizen participation in governance. With the help of artificial intelligence systems that identify potential security threats, explosion-proof equipment in public spaces, and widespread citizen engagement in law enforcement and joint patrols with the police, the government has built a strong shield protecting citizen safety," the ambassador emphasized.

He also noted that Chinese urban planning is based on the principle of "accurate diagnosis and bottleneck removal," which provides powerful drivers for urban development and ensures their efficient operation. The Chinese government is actively promoting infrastructure construction, public transportation development, and the implementation of green, low-carbon travel, creating a safe, convenient, and comfortable transportation environment for residents. "Thanks to digitalization and artificial intelligence technologies, Chinese cities efficiently and smoothly serve the daily transportation needs of hundreds of millions of people, improve the efficiency of urban infrastructure, and provide a sustainable impetus for urban economic development," Zhang Hanhui shared the Chinese experience.

The Chinese diplomat emphasized that Russia has also accumulated valuable experience and extensive expertise in urban management and development. "As a global metropolis, Moscow rightfully bears the titles of 'green capital' and 'museum city.' Moscow is considered a major center of culture and art. It has managed to achieve a harmonious balance between modernization, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental protection, making Moscow a shining example of contemporary urban development," he noted.

Zhang Hanhui assured that the Chinese side is ready to continue mutual learning and exchange of experience with Russia in the field of urban governance and development, thereby further enriching the content of the Sino-Russian comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation in the new era and contributing even more wisdom and strength to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

The 17th Assembly of the Russian World was held in Moscow.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, October 22 (Xinhua) — The 17th Russian World Assembly was held in Moscow from October 20 to 22. Representatives from 105 countries and regions with long-standing humanitarian cooperation with Russia participated.

In his welcoming telegram to the opening ceremony participants, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that the key theme of the current assembly—"The Fundamental Contribution of the Russian World to International Development: History, Modernity, and Future"—reflects Russia's commitment to developing international humanitarian cooperation and equal dialogue, and to promoting enduring spiritual and moral ideals and values.

"Today, our country is actively participating in the formation of a new, just, multipolar world order based on respect for the distinctive cultures, customs, and ways of life of different peoples, a resolute rejection of any forms of neocolonialism, racism, and Russophobia, as well as the imposition of its own development models on independent states," Vladimir Putin emphasized, thanking all assembly participants for their constructive contributions to the implementation of much-needed educational, publishing, and creative projects.

The assembly included a plenary session and two panel discussions on the topics "The Russian Language as the Basis for Identity Formation" and "Victory's Contribution to the New World Order: History and Modernity."

In addition, thematic discussions were organized on current issues of teaching Russian, organizing literary translations, conducting cultural exchanges and media interaction, and promoting public diplomacy.

The Russian World Assembly was organized by the Russian World Foundation, established in 2007 in accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation with the goal of promoting the Russian language and Russian culture abroad. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

Kazakhstan's nominal GDP will grow to USD 426 billion by 2028.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Almaty, October 22 (Xinhua) — Kazakhstan's nominal gross domestic product (GDP) will grow from 183.8 trillion tenge (about 341.2 billion U.S. dollars) in 2026 to 229.8 trillion tenge (about 426.7 billion dollars) in 2028, Kazinform news agency reported on Wednesday, citing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin.

The main drivers of growth are reported to be the real sector and the service sector.

S. Zhumangarin also noted that, in accordance with the baseline forecast for socio-economic development in the country, real GDP growth in 2026 will be 5.4 percent, and average annual growth over 3 years will be 5.3 percent.

Exports are projected to reach $77.1 billion in 2026, rising to $83.7 billion in 2028, while imports are expected to increase from $67.7 billion to $75.2 billion.

In the manufacturing industry, growth rates are projected to increase from 6.2 percent in 2026 to 6.6 percent in 2028 due to the implementation of investment projects.

Average annual growth over the three-year period is expected to be 2.8 percent in mining, 3.9 percent in agriculture, 11 percent in construction, 10.1 percent in transport, and 6.7 percent in trade. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

China has made progress in restoring 88 key rivers and lakes.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, October 22 (Xinhua) — By the end of September 2025, China had made progress in restoring 88 key rivers and lakes across the country, ensuring continuous flow in riverbeds that had remained dry for decades, the Ministry of Water Resources announced on Wednesday.

These results were achieved within the framework of a national action plan for the restoration of major rivers and lakes for 2022-2025. Individual recovery plans were developed for each river and lake, taking into account their specific needs.

Among the most significant achievements are maintaining a continuous flow in the Yellow River for 26 consecutive years, as well as restoring the flow along the entire length of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, which had been interrupted for a century. For the past four years, water has flowed steadily again.

In the Haihe River basin, previously plagued by severe water shortages and pollution, systematic restoration measures have reversed the process of ecological degradation. The Yongding River, which had been dry in some sections for 26 years, has now maintained a steady flow for five years, and Baiyangdian Lake, a key wetland in northern China, has maintained a stable water level for seven years.

According to the ministry, in the future, China intends to expand the program to more river and lake basins and develop long-term restoration mechanisms, while continuing to apply a tailored approach to the rehabilitation of river and lake ecosystems. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to provide humanitarian aid in the Palestinian territories.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

October 22, 2025 International law

The International Court of Justice has issued an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations as an occupying power with respect to the presence and activities of the UN, other international organizations and third States in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The Court confirmed that Israel is obliged to comply with international humanitarian law, including providing the population with food, water, shelter, fuel, medical care and other necessary means for survival.

The Court ruled that Israel must "accept and facilitate by all possible means humanitarian operations," including the work of UN agencies, primarily UNRWA, and not obstruct their work. Furthermore, Israel is obligated to respect and protect medical and humanitarian personnel, prevent forced displacement and deportation, and not use starvation as a method of warfare.

The International Court also stated that Israel must cooperate with the UN in good faith, ensure the inviolability of the Organization's premises and property, and respect the privileges and immunities of UN and other international personnel.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

The timing of the Russia-US summit has yet to be determined, the Kremlin said.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, October 22 (Xinhua) — The dates for the Russia-US summit have yet to be determined; time is needed, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov announced on Wednesday.

"The dates haven't been set; that's still to come. Thorough preparation is needed before that, and it takes time," said D. Peskov, responding to a TASS question about whether there's been a pause in preparations for the meeting between Russian and US Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, or whether the dates simply haven't been set yet.

The Russian president's press secretary also stated that there are currently no plans for a new telephone conversation between Putin and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. He recalled that such a conversation took place on October 17 at the initiative of the Hungarian side. Orbán expressed his willingness to facilitate the organization of a possible Russian-American summit in Budapest.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters on Wednesday that preparations for the meeting between the Russian and US presidents are ongoing.

"We believe we need to focus on the substantive aspect, and that's what we're doing in light of the instructions we've received," the Russian Foreign Ministry representative emphasized.

“Therefore, we continue our preparations,” S. Ryabkov said. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

Putin supervised the training of strategic nuclear forces – Kremlin

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, October 22 (Xinhua) — Under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, Vladimir Putin, a strategic nuclear forces exercise was conducted, involving their land, sea, and air components. During the exercise, practice launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles and air-launched cruise missiles were conducted, according to the Kremlin's official website.

"A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Plesetsk State Test Cosmodrome toward the Kura test range in Kamchatka. A Sineva ballistic missile was launched from the Bryansk nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine in the Barents Sea. Tu-95MS long-range aircraft also participated in the training, launching air-launched cruise missiles. The National Defense Control Center of the Russian Federation oversaw the practice launches," the statement reads.

The exercise demonstrated the level of preparedness of military command bodies and the operational staff's practical skills in organizing the command and control of subordinate troops. "All exercise objectives were accomplished," the Kremlin website noted.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

The Polytechnic University selected 14 finalists for the first all-Russian competition "StudRussia"

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The regional round of the first All-Russian competition for international students, "StudRussia," was held at the Polytechnic University. The competition is organized by the National University of Science and Technology MISIS with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation to support talented and active international students with achievements in science, creativity, sports, community service, and volunteerism.

As a co-organizer of the competition, the Polytechnic University hosted 140 winners of the qualifying round from 32 universities in the Northwestern Federal District, including the Kirov Military Medical Academy, the Ilya Repin St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Vologda State University, the ITMO National Research University, the St. Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation, and the Ukhta State Technical University. Of course, Polytechnic University students were also among the participants.

The geography of the participants was also vast: we welcomed representatives from 30 countries, including India, Pakistan, Morocco, Ghana, Ecuador, Uganda, Nigeria, Mexico, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Brazil, China, Mongolia, Iran, Palestine, Tunisia, Algeria, Vietnam, and others. Some international students carried the flag of their country, while others wore elements of traditional costume. Overall, the atmosphere at the Technopolis Polytech research facility was very international for two days.

At the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Olga Petrova thanked Polytechnic University via videoconference for being one of the co-organizers and the international students for their courage and decision to participate in the competition.

"Dear students, of course, not everyone will be a winner, but each of you will definitely grow in your skills, get to know our country and the Russian language even better, and share your unique experiences with us," said Olga Viktorovna. "This is the first time we've held such a competition, and I'm confident it will open up even more opportunities for international students studying in Russia!"

Participants were also greeted by Maxim Pasholikov, Vice-Rector for Information, Youth Policy, and Security, and Roman Volkovsky, Acting Chairman of the Committee on Youth Policy and Interaction with Public Organizations of St. Petersburg.

Maxim Pasholikov briefly described how international students study and relax at the Polytechnic University and assured that the university will do everything possible to ensure that participants in the first StudRussia competition also have a comfortable, convenient, and interesting experience.

Roman Volkovsky noted that this event is of great importance to the St. Petersburg government: "This isn't just a competition, but also an opportunity to unite students from different countries who study, create, and build in Russia. This is the future of international relations. You are a shining example of how science and friendship erase the boundaries between different countries and continents. In turn, we strive to make your stay in our country comfortable, productive, and promising. For us, there are no international or Russian students; we are young people who, with their creativity, intelligence, and hands-on work, are making the future of our country, our society, and the entire world better, brighter, and kinder. Thank you very much for this, and, of course, we are ready to support you in all your initiatives."

After the plenary session, the participants were divided into groups according to their nominations. There were six: "The Future of Science," "Leaders of Generations," "Conquerors of Peaks," "Kindness Without Borders," "Inspired by Creativity," and "Russian Language and Culture." Some participants applied for several nominations at once, and for good reason—such dedication earned them the highest award, the Grand Prix for "Best International Student."

On the first day of the competition, amazing things happened in various NIK auditoriums: in one, foreign guests of the Polytechnic shared their experiences learning Russian and professed their love for Russian literature. In another, they sang songs in their native languages and played folk instruments. In the Kapitsa conference hall, young scientists presented reports on their research projects and initiatives. In the Semenov auditorium, they talked about volunteer work and proposed ideas for improving sports infrastructure in Russia's northern regions.

Once all the projects had been presented to the jury and the first day's business program had concluded, the participants took a bus to explore St. Petersburg. Those who study and live here eagerly shared the sights of the city on the Neva with their new friends from other regions of the Northwestern Federal District. The students saw Smolny and St. Isaac's Cathedrals, the Peter and Paul Fortress, drove along Nevsky Prospekt, and visited Arts Square, the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, and the Piskarevsky Memorial.

The second day at the Polytechnic University began with a lecture by Andrey Mashkovtsev, Doctor of Historical Sciences, from the Russian Society "Knowledge," about Russia's achievements in the 21st century. The students were then invited on a tour of the SPbPU campus, including the Main Building, the Tower, and the Sports Complex.

And now the most important moment had arrived—the summing up of the results and the awards ceremony. The participants of the district stage had become very close during their time together and were thrilled to celebrate each other's successes.

For the convenience of international students, the competition is held in both Russian and English, so the jury also selected winners and runners-up in two tracks—Russian and English. Here's how the placements were distributed.

Nomination “Russian language and culture”

Russian-language track:

1st place – Nguyen Thanh Hai (Vietnam, A. I. Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia) 2nd place – Zhang Yateng (China, A. I. Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia) 3rd place – Salim Nizhm (Palestine, S. M. Kirov Military Medical Academy)

English track:

1st place — Asad Shafiq (Pakistan, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University "LETI" named after V. I. Ulyanov (Lenin)) 2nd place — Kong Delong (China, Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia) 3rd place — Araujo de Re Gabriel (Brazil, Saint Petersburg State University)

"Kindness Without Borders" – for volunteers involved in charitable projects

Russian-language track:

1st place — Fan Wenkai (China, A. I. Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia) 2nd place — Mustafa Abduljalil Muftakhuddin (Nigeria, St. Petersburg State University) 3rd place — Mamanazarov Erkinboy Bakhodir Ugli (Uzbekistan, A. I. Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia)

English track:

1st place – Oladoye Michael Blessing (Nigeria, ITMO National Research University) 2nd place – Shah Rehan Ahmad (India, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University) 3rd place – Anas Jamal (Morocco, Admiral S. O. Makarov State Maritime Academy)

"Leaders of Generations" — for active students developing youth policy

Russian-language track:

1st place — Ben Fraj Besma (Tunisia, North-West State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov) 2nd place — Alena Vasilyeva (Kazakhstan, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University) 3rd place — Angelina Shevlyakova (Azerbaijan, First St. Petersburg State Medical University named after I.P. Pavlov)

English track:

1st place — Garzon Navaret Hugo Alexander (Ecuador, St. Petersburg State University) 2nd place — Tharun Kumar Mummadi Ragupathi (India, Petrozavodsk State University) 3rd place — Hussam Aabdani (Morocco, St. Petersburg Polytechnic University)

"Conquerors of the Peaks" – for athletes who have achieved success in competitions.

Russian-language track:

1st place — Elina Anikina (Uzbekistan, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University) 2nd place — Maria Zastenskaya (Kazakhstan, St. Petersburg State University) 3rd place — Alexandra Komarova (Kazakhstan, ITMO University)

English track:

1st place — Guo Xinlong (China, SPbPU) 2nd place — Jacob Kingson (India, Murmansk Arctic University) 3rd place — Maxim Bessonov (Kazakhstan, Ukhta State Technical University)

"The Future of Science" – for those engaged in research and participating in scientific events

Russian-language track:

1st place – Madina Kalmuratova (Uzbekistan, student of the St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University) 2nd place – Kholiknazarov Asadbek Abdunazarovich (Uzbekistan, St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University) 3rd place – Goziev Muhammadaziz Kodir ugli (Uzbekistan, St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University)

English track:

1st place — Umar Ahmed (Pakistan, ITMO University) 2nd place — Ayamba Malentiba Mark (Ghana, Yaroslav the Wise Novgorod State University) 3rd place — Anas Ahmed (Pakistan, SPbPU)

"Inspired by Creativity" – for those who are passionate about music, art, culture and developing as a creative individual

Russian-language track:

1st place — Desaipur Reza (Iran, St. Petersburg State Institute of Culture) 2nd place — Faizullahujaeva Madinakhon Makhsudkhon kizi (Uzbekistan, SPbPU) 3rd place — Xiong Peihan (China, Ilya Repin St. Petersburg Academy of Arts)

English track:

1st place — Vergara Herrera Giselle Sarahi (Mexico, National Research University Higher School of Economics, St. Petersburg) 2nd place — Fred Appiadjei (Ghana, National Research University Higher School of Economics, St. Petersburg) 3rd place — Dastanbu Matin (Iran, SPbPU)

Grand Prix

Russian-language track

Daria Gosteva (Kazakhstan, St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design)

English-language track

Rana Ghazal (India, Petrozavodsk State University)

Maxim Pasholikov, Vice Rector for Youth, Information Policy, and Security, summed up the marathon's results: "Dear friends, I hope you had a fascinating time at the Polytechnic University and in St. Petersburg. I hope this short trip brought you many new acquaintances and brought you a wealth of positive emotions. You were able to express yourself a little, talk about yourself, and present yourself—sometimes it's helpful to give yourself a little credit. You also saw what other students were good at, and you probably picked up some interesting practices to incorporate into your work. I wish those of you who were honored to travel to Moscow for the finals a strong performance, becoming top students, and bringing victory back to the Northwestern Federal District."

The 12 winners and two Grand Prix winners will travel to Moscow for the All-Russian stage of the competition, which will take place from November 20 to December 10.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Posted on

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the adoption of historic documents in the field of nuclear security

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Home
News
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the adoption of historic documents in the field of nuclear security

The anniversary of the adoption of two historic international legal instruments – the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism – became the central theme of a side event dedicated to this occasion.

October 22, 2025

Jonathan Herbach, Legal Affairs Bureau

Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi with speakers at a side event. Photo: D. Calma/IAEA

Participants at the IAEA General Conference simultaneously celebrated 20 years of global cooperation in strengthening nuclear security. The anniversary of the adoption of two landmark international legal instruments—the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism—was the central theme of a side event dedicated to this milestone.

At the event, co-organized by the IAEA, the Kingdom of Morocco, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), participants assessed the progress made in this area over the past two decades and reaffirmed the international community's commitment to preventing nuclear terrorism and other criminal acts involving nuclear and other radioactive materials.

Speakers at the event included the Director of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), Mauro Médico; the Permanent Representative of the Argentine Republic to the IAEA, H.E. Mr. Gustavo Rodolfo Slovinen; the Permanent Representative of Canada to the IAEA, H.E. Ms. Alison Grant; the Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the IAEA, H.E. Mr. Tsengeg Mizhiddorj; the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Paraguay to the IAEA, H.E. Mr. Juan Francisco Fascetti; the Permanent Representative of the Swiss Confederation to the IAEA, H.E. Mr. Matteo Facinotti; and the Permanent Representative of the Delegation of the European Union to the IAEA, H.E. Mr. Karl Hallergaard.

Ambassador Azzeddine Farhan opens the side event by reiterating the global commitment to preventing nuclear terrorism and strengthening international cooperation.

Opening the side event, Ambassador Azeddine Farhan, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the IAEA, stated: "The adoption of these fundamental legal instruments in 2005 was a decisive step in our joint efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism and strengthen international cooperation. Today, twenty years later, we reaffirm our commitment to these goals, take stock of the work accomplished, and reflect on the challenges ahead."

The amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), adopted under the auspices of the IAEA, significantly strengthens the original Convention in a number of important respects. It expands the scope of the original treaty to cover the physical protection of peaceful nuclear facilities and nuclear material during domestic use, storage, and transport; it also establishes criminal liability for offenses related to illicit trafficking in and sabotage of nuclear material or nuclear facilities, and provides for strengthened international cooperation.

Adopted under the auspices of the United Nations, the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSNT) applies to all types of radioactive material, including nuclear material, and obliges States Parties to establish criminal liability for the unlawful or intentional possession and use of radioactive material or radioactive devices, as well as the unlawful use of or damage to nuclear facilities.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stressed the importance of having a strong legal framework to protect nuclear material and enhance global security.

In his opening remarks, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated: "Twenty years ago, the international community demonstrated unity in recognizing the urgent need to strengthen the legal framework to protect nuclear material and facilities and prevent the use of such material by non-State actors for harm. With the expanding peaceful use of nuclear energy and the continuing threat from malicious actors, universal adherence to these instruments will provide an important legal lever for strengthening security at the national, regional, and global levels."

UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly stressed the continued importance of a global legal framework to prevent the misuse of nuclear material and called for universal adherence to key international legal instruments.

UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly noted: “The adoption of these instruments two decades ago marked a true turning point. Today, with many regions of the world engulfed in conflict and instability, the risk of such materials falling into the wrong hands or being misused is greater than ever. This is why our global legal framework remains fundamentally important, which explains the significance of these instruments. We must maintain the positive momentum achieved by this anniversary and continue to work towards universal adherence to the ICSANT and the CPPNM amendment.”

Other speakers also emphasized the continued relevance of these international legal instruments in the face of evolving threats and noted the importance of international cooperation in strengthening nuclear security.

The CPPNM Amendment entered into force in 2016; to date, 138 of the 165 Parties to the original Convention have acceded to it. The ICSANT entered into force in 2007 and currently has 127 Parties.

Related resources

Read more

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.