Iran hails EU's role in JCPOA
By Kamila Aliyeva
Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi appreciated once again the European Union's constructive role in striking a nuclear agreement, also known as the JCPOA.
"The EU played a significant role in clinching of the historic deal," Salehi said in a message to a joint high-level Iran-EU meeting on the issue of international cooperation in nuclear technology that took place in Brussels on March 1, according to the European Commission website.
Salehi also appreciated the valuable cooperation of EU Energy Commission and Cañete’s assistance in line with promoting mutual cooperation after conclusion of the deal.
"One of the achievements of the accord is the expansion of scientific and technical collaboration with the European Union," the AEOI chief said.
Salehi stated that for the time being, working out a cohesive framework encompassing diverse programs for promoting mutual cooperation in the field of nuclear technology promises a prospective future in various domains of peaceful nuclear technology.
The AEOI chief said that Iran and EU’s resolve to move on the right track to give an impetus to mutual cooperation and interaction will prove fruitful for both sides.
The conference entitled "International nuclear cooperation: Expectations and Responsibilities" is the result of a joint initiative of the European Commissioner for Energy and Climate Arias Cañete and Vice-President of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi.
The seminar is an important part of the growing cooperation between Iran and the EU in the implementation of the joint comprehensive action plan (JCPOA or nuclear deal).
The seminar was held with the participation of political directors of European diplomacy Service Helga Schmid and the European Commission Directorate-General for Energy Dominique Ristori.
The seminar was held with the participation of the high-level delegation from Iran, including members of parliament, as well as senior officials from the AEOI and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the European Parliament, representatives of a number of European External Action Service units, representatives of the Group 5+1 (the US, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany).
Iran, five permanent UN Security Council members, Germany and the European Union signed the JCPOA in July 2015 to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Then, the Islamic republic pledged to refrain from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons in exchange for the lifting of sanctions imposed against Iran.
The agreement provides that in return for verifiable abiding by its commitments, Iran receives relief from U.S., European Union, and UN Security Council nuclear-related economic sanctions.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) is the main official body responsible for implementing regulations and operating nuclear energy installations in Iran.
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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
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