Parliament Approves Participation in International Atomic Energy Agency

The Parliament of Maldives has approved the country’s participation in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The decision was unanimously supported by 61 parliamentarians.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu endorsed Maldives’ involvement with the IAEA, emphasising the potential benefits of nuclear medicine, particularly for cancer treatment. This move followed discussions in a recent cabinet meeting, after which the proposal was forwarded to the Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee for review and recommendation. Following the committee’s approval, the Parliament granted its final endorsement.

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The government announced that the Ministry of Defence would lead the efforts to integrate with the IAEA, acknowledging that the process is expected to be long-term.

Founded on 29 July 1957, the IAEA’s mission is to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy while preventing its military application. Currently, 178 countries are members of the agency, with the Maldives and Bhutan being the only regional nations yet to join.

As per the Maldives Constitution, all international treaties must be presented to and approved by Parliament before they can be enacted.