Vienna, September 2026. – Cuba addressed the General Debate of the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through the Minister of Science, Technology, and the Environment, Dr. Armando Rodríguez Batista, head of the Cuban delegation to the meeting taking place from September 14 to 18, 2026.
In his remarks, the head of CITMA reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to its obligations regarding nuclear safeguards, backed by a robust legal framework and a state policy consistent with the exclusively peaceful use of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation. He reported that Cuba will host a voluntary mission from the Integrated Regulatory Review Service and expressed gratitude for the IAEA’s support in the Integrated Plan for Support to Nuclear Physical Security 2026–2030, which was completed in January 2026. He highlighted that Cuba was the first country to complete the self-assessment methodology for physical security and mentioned its participation in the Tenth Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Nuclear Safety, where it presented its third National Report.
Among other points included in the statement, Cuba acknowledged the Agency’s contribution to training, including the Marie Curie and Lisa Meitner fellowships, and endorsed technical cooperation initiatives such as Atoms4Food, Atoms4NetZero, and NutecPlastics, as well as the Regional Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL) and the “Rays of Hope” initiative.
Finally, Cuba reaffirmed its commitment to the IAEA’s technical and objective work and rejected political conditions and discriminatory practices that limit the inalienable right of all countries to the exclusively peaceful use of nuclear energy.
(EmbaCubaAustria)