Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations General Assembly, on Agenda Item 91: “Report of the International Atomic Energy Agency”
2026/10/23
(As delivered)
Madam President,
At the outset, Japan reaffirms its full support for the IAEA and commends Director General Rafael Grossi for his leadership.
Madam President,
The need for nuclear energy is rapidly growing in both the electric and non-electric sectors, and the IAEA’s role in promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy is gaining momentum. Meanwhile, the world faces unprecedented turmoil marked by deepening divisions and a deteriorating security environment. At this juncture, the Agency’s non-proliferation mandate is also of the utmost importance.
At the recent IAEA General Conference, Member States could not adopt certain resolutions on the Agency’s core mandates. Japan is seriously alarmed by this “exceptional circumstance”. We must overcome divisions and promote cooperation. Japan will continue to support the Agency and dialogue among Member States therein.
Madam President,
The world faces pressing challenges related to nuclear non-proliferation, safety and security. Let me highlight three in particular.
First, North Korea. This year, more than a hundred Member States supported the IAEA’s resolution on this issue, demonstrating their firm determination. Japan strongly urges the DPRK to take concrete steps towards achieving the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of its nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs. Japan also urges North Korea to fully comply with the NPT and to promptly cooperate with the Agency to ensure full and effective implementation of its comprehensive safeguards agreement.
All Member States must fully implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Japan again expresses deep concern over increasing military cooperation between Russia and DPRK, which clearly violates UNSC resolutions and undermines the international non-proliferation regime.
Second, Iran. The IAEA Board of Governors requested the Director General to report Iran’s non-compliance to the Security Council and the General Assembly. Japan reiterates its serious concern and urges Iran to cooperate with the Agency to urgently resume full and effective implementation of its safeguards agreement. Japan’s position, which places importance on resolving Iran’s nuclear issue through dialogue, remains unchanged. Japan strongly hopes that the United States and Iran will reach a final agreement at an early date, including on the nuclear issue.
Third, Ukraine. The safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, remain a matter of deep concern. Japan continues to support the IAEA’s efforts to ensure the safety and security of these facilities and their operation and emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Director General’s “seven indispensable pillars” and “five concrete principles”.
Madam President,
In promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy, Japan has been contributing to IAEA initiatives such as “Rays of Hope” for cancer care and “Atoms4Food” for food security. Specifically, Japan has provided robust financial and human resources to help establish sustainable cancer care systems globally, drawing on Japan’s advanced technologies and expertise in radiological medicine. Japan will continue to promote nuclear science and technology worldwide.
Lastly, the safety of the discharge of ALPS treated water has been continuously confirmed through the IAEA’s ongoing reviews and robust monitoring with the enhanced participation of analytical laboratories and international experts, including those from neighboring countries. Japan appreciates and respects the IAEA’s commitment to this issue. Japan will continue to provide science-based and transparent information and full explanations to the international community and cooperate fully with the IAEA’s reviews and monitoring.
I thank you.
At the outset, Japan reaffirms its full support for the IAEA and commends Director General Rafael Grossi for his leadership.
Madam President,
The need for nuclear energy is rapidly growing in both the electric and non-electric sectors, and the IAEA’s role in promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy is gaining momentum. Meanwhile, the world faces unprecedented turmoil marked by deepening divisions and a deteriorating security environment. At this juncture, the Agency’s non-proliferation mandate is also of the utmost importance.
At the recent IAEA General Conference, Member States could not adopt certain resolutions on the Agency’s core mandates. Japan is seriously alarmed by this “exceptional circumstance”. We must overcome divisions and promote cooperation. Japan will continue to support the Agency and dialogue among Member States therein.
Madam President,
The world faces pressing challenges related to nuclear non-proliferation, safety and security. Let me highlight three in particular.
First, North Korea. This year, more than a hundred Member States supported the IAEA’s resolution on this issue, demonstrating their firm determination. Japan strongly urges the DPRK to take concrete steps towards achieving the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of its nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs. Japan also urges North Korea to fully comply with the NPT and to promptly cooperate with the Agency to ensure full and effective implementation of its comprehensive safeguards agreement.
All Member States must fully implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Japan again expresses deep concern over increasing military cooperation between Russia and DPRK, which clearly violates UNSC resolutions and undermines the international non-proliferation regime.
Second, Iran. The IAEA Board of Governors requested the Director General to report Iran’s non-compliance to the Security Council and the General Assembly. Japan reiterates its serious concern and urges Iran to cooperate with the Agency to urgently resume full and effective implementation of its safeguards agreement. Japan’s position, which places importance on resolving Iran’s nuclear issue through dialogue, remains unchanged. Japan strongly hopes that the United States and Iran will reach a final agreement at an early date, including on the nuclear issue.
Third, Ukraine. The safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, remain a matter of deep concern. Japan continues to support the IAEA’s efforts to ensure the safety and security of these facilities and their operation and emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Director General’s “seven indispensable pillars” and “five concrete principles”.
Madam President,
In promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy, Japan has been contributing to IAEA initiatives such as “Rays of Hope” for cancer care and “Atoms4Food” for food security. Specifically, Japan has provided robust financial and human resources to help establish sustainable cancer care systems globally, drawing on Japan’s advanced technologies and expertise in radiological medicine. Japan will continue to promote nuclear science and technology worldwide.
Lastly, the safety of the discharge of ALPS treated water has been continuously confirmed through the IAEA’s ongoing reviews and robust monitoring with the enhanced participation of analytical laboratories and international experts, including those from neighboring countries. Japan appreciates and respects the IAEA’s commitment to this issue. Japan will continue to provide science-based and transparent information and full explanations to the international community and cooperate fully with the IAEA’s reviews and monitoring.
I thank you.