STATEMENT BY DR JOHNNY THABO PITSWANE, DEPUTY RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, BOARD OF GOVERNORS, 8 MARCH 2017, VIENNA

AGENDA ITEM 8: APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL

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Mr Chairman

South Africa joins other Member States in congratulating Mr Amano on his appointment by acclamation as Director General of the IAEA for a third term. Since his election to this organisation, Mr Amano has devoted considerable efforts in promoting the contribution of nuclear science to development, including promoting the Agency’s role in supporting Member States in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the Director General’s emphasis on “Atoms for Peace and Development”, the Agency is now uniquely placed to reinforce the nexus between peace and development.

My delegation is appreciative of the support that the Director General has provided to Africa, including tackling enormous challenges such as the recent fight against Ebola and Rinderpest as well as leading the Agency’s work in areas such as human health, food and agriculture and water resource management.

South Africa further wishes to express its appreciation to the Director General for his contribution in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the Agency and my country as demonstrated by his high level visits in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

In conclusion, as the Director General assumes another term, this delegation has no doubt that he will give further impetus to the role of the Agency in carrying out its mandate, especially in assisting the developing countries.

Thank you.

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