Nkoana-Mashabane in Vienna for nuclear summit

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Organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the three-day summit is expected to adopt a declaration emphasising that whilst the responsibility for nuclear security rests entirely with individual Member States, the IAEA plays a central role in strengthening the nuclear security framework globally and in leading coordination of international activities in the field of nuclear security.

The South African government has commended the IAEA's assistance on nuclear security efforts.

"The IAEA supports South Africa to maintain a high level of security of its nuclear facilities, nuclear and radioactive materials," Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, said on Monday.

South Africa is the only African country that operates a nuclear power plant, Koeberg.

Monyela said the SA government was also of the view that global nuclear security could be strengthened as long as nuclear weapons exist.

"Therefore, progress in the area of nuclear disarmament is crucial."

During the visit, Nkoana-Mashabane is expected to hold bilateral discussions on the side-lines with the Director General of the IAEA, Yukiya Amano and Executive Secretary-elect of the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty Organisation, Lassina Zerbo, among others.