The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday hosted an international ministerial conference at its headquarters in Vienna, discussing the future of nuclear security globally.
Before the conference started, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi led a minute of silence, after the news of the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
According to the IAEA, the International Conference on Nuclear Security: Shaping the Future, taking place from 20 to 24 May, attracted approximately 2000 participants, including 110 ministers, heads of delegations and high-ranking officials.
About 122 IAEA member states and four organizations also represented at the conference to discuss the future of global nuclear security, while exchanging information, sharing the latest practices in the fields of nuclear energy and nuclear safety, and promoting international cooperation.
During the international conference, he stressed that all countries must abide by legal-binding policies and measures in the field of international nuclear safety regulation.
IAEA mourns death of Iranian president prior to conference on nuclear security held in Vienna
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
