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The disasters in Chernobyl and Fukushima sent out distress signals to all countries, demonstrating that responsible conduct is an essential precondition for nuclear safety and security, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis said during the discussion “Nuclear Safety and Security: Lithuania and the World” on April 25.

During the event at Foreign Ministry, Ažubalis emphasized that actions of Russia and Belarus when implementing nuclear projects lacked responsibility.

“I have to state the fact that even after nuclear accidents of such a huge scale we still lack responsibility and respect for international agreements in the neighbourhood,” the Minister said.

He drew attention of all participants to the link between nuclear safety and security. According to Ažubalis, these are “essentially two different issues aiming for the same goal – safety of people and safe living environment”.

According to the Minister, active actions of Lithuania contribute to ensuring nuclear safety and security in Lithuania and in the world. This effort has been acknowledged by Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano, who commended Lithuania’s effort and supported the establishment of the Centre of Excellence (COE) for Nuclear Security in Lithuania at the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit in March.

The discussion “Nuclear Safety and Security: Lithuania and the World” was organised in cooperation with the Institute of International Relations and Political Science of Vilnius University. Lithuania’s initiatives and activities in the fields of nuclear power industry and nuclear safety were presented at the discussion. Participants reviewed the development of nuclear programmes in the region and around the world and discussed relevant nuclear issues.

Participants of the discussion were also welcomed by the Director of the Institute Ramūnas Vilpišauskas. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Energy, the Office of the Prime Minister and the State Nuclear Power Safety Inspectorate are giving speeches. Employees of state institutions, politicians, political scientists, members of academic community and non-governmental organizations are taking part in the discussion.