IAEA head meets top Albanian officials

TIRANA, July 18 – Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Yukiya Amano made a visit to Albania last week and met with all top officials in the country.
Amano met with Prime Minister Sali Berisha who expressed deepest sympathy for the people of Japan following the tragic losses from the March earthquake and tsunami.
However, the Japanese tragedy has not deterred Berisha from pursuing the use of nuclear energy.
“For the moment Albania will continue to get prepared to fully use this energy, by taking necessary procedural steps and signing all the agreements with IAEA,” he said, adding that the Japanese calamity had provided some lessons to the world about security of nuclear plants. “Technology is moving ahead at a quick pace and certainly will cope with the risk of tsunami in nuclear plants,” he said.
Berisha also noted the fruitful cooperation between the Albanian government and the Agency, especially in the field of medicine.
“Thanks to the Agency’s aid it was made possible the training of a considerable number of medical staff, devices equipment, etc.,” said Berisha, adding that the fight against cancer was one of the key priorities.
“We have approved the National Strategy for Control of Cancer with a 10 year action plan and Oncology Department at University Hospital Center of Tirana (QSUT) will be transformed into National Institute Fight against Cancer”, he said.
Amano expressed his pleasure over cooperation with Albania in the implementation of projects in the field of health.
“Early diagnosis and adequate treatment of cancer is one of the key priorities of the IAEA in cooperation with World Health Organization,” said Amano, adding that the Agency was ready to deepen cooperation with Albania.
Amano also met with Albania’s Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto to discuss the country’s cooperation with the IAEA and the possibilities for future cooperation. Amano considers Albania an important partner of the Agency.
Amano also met with President Bamir Topi.
Albania has been working with the Agency since 1957 when it became its member and it has fulfilled and complied with all its international conventions.