The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Benedetto Della Vedova, went on a mission to the United Nations in Vienna, leading the Italian delegation to the 65th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“We are deeply concerned about the serious difficulties the Plan of Action on the Iranian Nuclear Programme (JCPoA) is having, and we hope that the parties continue negotiations to resolve the points still outstanding. We call on Iran to return to full implementation of its obligations based on the JCPoA without delay, and to withdraw from uranium enrichment activities”, said the Deputy Minister talking at the plenary session of the Conference. In relation to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, D.M. Della Vedova highlighted how repeated launching of ballistic missiles is undermining peace and security in the region and internationally, and is reason for serious concern. The Deputy Minister called on Pyongyang to avoid further provocation and to take steps towards complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation.
On the fringes of the General Conference, the Deputy Minister met the Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, with whom the points about the Iranian nuclear dossier and excellent cooperation between Italy and the Agency were made. During the meeting, they also discussed the important contribution Italy’s experience and know-how in nuclear applications and training make to IAEA activities.
During the mission, D.M. Della Vedova also met the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ghada Waly. The Deputy Minister discussed current cooperation with her, in implementing the Palermo Convention against transnational and international crime, called for by Giovanni Falcone, as well as the need for a common strategy in the international community to deal with the Afghan crisis and the challenges it poses to human rights, illegal trafficking, and combating international terrorism.
Finally, the Deputy Minister met Li Yong, the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), with whom Italy shares the goal of sustainable economic development that is inclusive worldwide, in line with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.
