IAEA, Japan & nuclear security

Abe: Japan will continue cooperation with IAEA

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160331_12/

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said his government will continue to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency to support the agency's effort to strengthen nuclear security.

Abe made the remark in a meeting with Director-General of the IAEA, Yukiya Amano, in Washington on Wednesday.

Abe is in the US capital to attend the Nuclear Security Summit that brings together leaders of more than 50 countries. The agenda at the summit will include measures to counter the threat of nuclear weapons getting into the hands of terrorists.

In the meeting with Abe, Amano said his agency is now working on strengthening nuclear security such as strict management of nuclear-related materials, and verifying and monitoring Iran's nuclear program based on the agreement with the country. He also said it is dealing with North Korea's nuclear development.

Amano asked for continued cooperation from the Japanese government.

Abe promised his government's support for the IAEA's activities, saying the agency is playing an important role in stepping up nuclear security.