Fiji assumes chairmanship for the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) for the Asia Pacific at the 47th meeting of National representatives to the RCA, Nadi

Fiji assumed the chairmanship of the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) for the Asia Pacific at the opening of the 47th Meeting of National Representatives of the Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and the Pacific in Nadi, this morning. The meeting is jointly coordinated by the Ministries of Agriculture & Waterways and Foreign Affairs.

The Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr. Andrew Tukana and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA’s) Director for Technical Cooperation Asia and the Pacific Division, (TCAP) Mr Deng Ge officially opened the 4-day meeting. In his opening remarks, Dr Tukana said the benefits of the RCA to Fiji are tangible, lasting, and deeply appreciated, stating that beyond technical assistance, the RCA represents a shared commitment to peaceful progress through science.

He highlighted that Fiji’s collaboration with the RCA through the IAEA has produced benefits such as: Strengthening agriculture and food security, Combating climate change and protecting the environment, Advancing human health and medical services, Building human capital, Creating a platform of regional solidarity and building new networks.

IAEA Director-TCAP Mr Deng Ge extended his sincere thanks to the Government of Fiji, for their warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements made for this important gathering.

“As Fiji now assumes the Chairmanship, I am confident that under its leadership, the RCA will continue to thrive and expand its impact across the region. The IAEA is proud to have supported the RCA through our technical cooperation programmes. As you know, technical cooperation remains central to the Agency’s mission of driving social and economic progress across Member States.”