A Rwandan delegation led by the country’s envoy to Switzerland, Amb. Dr François-Xavier Ngarambe, last week, attended the 58th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria.

This was the first time Rwanda was attending the conference, since her admission to the body in 2009, according to a statement from the Rwandan Permanent Mission in Geneva.

IAEA is a global institution that works toward safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Ngarambe, Rwanda’s permanent representative to Geneva, said the IAEA has developed expertise in nuclear-related applications especially in health, agriculture and energy management.

"Rwanda is commited to working closely with the Agency, especially in areas relevant to our socio-economic development,” Ngarambe is quoted in the statement as saying.

During the meeting with the Rwandan delegation, the IAEA Director, Gen. Aman Yukiya, pledged full support to Rwanda.

"We commend Rwanda’s achievement toward attaining the Millennium Development Goals. Our different departments have been instructed to explore possibilities for effective cooperation,” he said.

The Agency’s technical departments also pledged to avail Rwanda with expertise in cancer management (diagnosis and treatment of cancer diseases), plant breeding for increased crop production, insect and pest control, and energy planning.

The Rwandan delegation promised to expedite all pending preliminary work, especially the adoption of the required legal and regulatory framework and the ratification of diverse conventions and treaties.

The delegation included officials from the ministries of health and infrastructure.