Kazakhstan Presents Nuclear Energy Strategy at International Summit in Paris

A high-level Kazakh delegation, led by Chairman of the Mazhilis Yerlan Koshanov, participated in the Second International Summit on Nuclear Energy in Paris. The delegation's attendance was directed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and included Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency Almaskadam Satkaliyev.

The summit brought together heads of state and government, officials from over 50 countries, leaders of international organizations, financial institutions, industry representatives, and experts. The central theme was the role of civil nuclear power in addressing key energy and climate challenges.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the Mazhilis speaker and conveyed his best wishes to the Kazakh Head of State. In his opening address, President Macron described nuclear energy as a driver of progress, prosperity, and sovereignty in the modern world. He highlighted its potential to boost national economic competitiveness, create jobs, and foster innovative technologies. Macron specifically welcomed Kazakhstan as a reliable uranium supplier and called for expanded international cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated that rapid digitalization poses numerous questions for the global community, for which nuclear energy can provide answers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that Europe's move away from civil nuclear power was a major strategic mistake. Recognizing this, the European Union has decided to establish a €200 million guarantee fund to support investments in innovative nuclear technologies.

In his speech at the forum, Yerlan Koshanov conveyed warm greetings from President Tokayev to his French counterpart. He underscored the summit's importance for consolidating international efforts towards safe and sustainable nuclear energy development.

"Kazakhstan is entering a new era in its energy development – the era of nuclear power," said Koshanov. "We view nuclear energy as a strategic source of reliable and affordable power."

The Mazhilis Chairman informed participants that in 2024, President Tokayev put the issue of constructing a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan to a national referendum. The positive outcome now allows the country to develop a modern, sustainable, and diversified energy system. The NPP construction project envisages creating an international consortium. Comprehensive engineering surveys are already underway, including assessments of natural, geological, seismic, hydrological, and man-made factors.

Koshanov noted that amid geopolitical turbulence, safety remains paramount for peaceful atomic energy. He reiterated Kazakhstan's consistent stance on resolving all disagreements through negotiation.

The speaker outlined Kazakhstan's contributions to global nuclear security architecture: closing the Semipalatinsk test site; voluntarily renouncing its nuclear arsenal; and initiating the UN General Assembly resolution establishing August 29 as the International Day against Nuclear Tests.

He also highlighted cooperation with the IAEA to expand production of radiopharmaceuticals and improve access to modern diagnostics and treatment through research conducted by Kazakhstan's National Nuclear Center.

Koshanov assured summit participants that Kazakhstan will continue shaping its atomic policy strictly in accordance with IAEA standards while strengthening transparency, trust, and partnership.

The event concluded with heads of delegations adopting a Joint Statement from the Paris Summit aimed at guiding global and national strategies for modernizing peaceful atomic energy development.