IAEA Director General Mariano Grossi met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana to discuss Kazakhstan's priorities in nuclear power, the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. (Photo: Office of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan).
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi visited Kazakhstan this week to strengthen cooperation on nuclear energy, scientific research, food security and cancer care, signing a series of agreements with national counterparts.
During the visit, Mr Grossi met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana to discuss Kazakhstan's priorities in nuclear power, the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, Kazakhstan's plans to advance its civilian nuclear power programme and broader geopolitical developments.
Important meeting with Kazakhstan's President @TokayevKZ today in Astana. We had concrete exchanges on current geopolitical tensions, including the situation in Iran and the Gulf. Thanked 🇰🇿 for its constructive role in support of peace and stability at a time when dialogue and… pic.twitter.com/Ib2cezClNe
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) May 26, 2026
The visit highlighted Kazakhstan's commitment to advancing nuclear science and technology to support public health, scientific research and economic development.
During the visit, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Mr Grossi the First-Degree Dostyk (Friendship) Order which symbolises the strong cooperation between Kazakhstan and the IAEA.
Honoured to receive Kazakhstan's First-Degree Dostyk (Friendship) Order from President @TokayevKZ .
Deeply appreciate this recognition, which is a symbol of the strong and enduring cooperation between Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 and the @IAEAorg . pic.twitter.com/uqbWChtu8X
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) May 26, 2026
Expanding Cooperation in Nuclear Energy, Science and Food Security
Mr Grossi met with Almassadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency, to advance collaboration in nuclear energy development.
The two sides signed a roadmap for cooperation between Kazakhstan and the IAEA for 2026-2036, outlining a long-term vision for joint work across nuclear infrastructure, capacity building and technical cooperation.
The roadmap will support cooperation in areas including nuclear infrastructure development, scientific research, education and technical cooperation.
A separate agreement was also signed between the IAEA and the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan to strengthen cooperation in nuclear science and research.
The arrangement will support knowledge exchange, joint research activities and scientific capacity building, including the use of the Sterile Insect Technique to help control agricultural pests and strengthen food security under the Atoms4Food initiative.
Pleased to meet Almassadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency, and sign an important agreement to deepen cooperation between 🇰🇿 and the @IAEAorg on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
We also signed an agreement with Kazakhstan's National Academy of… pic.twitter.com/zOQwhi9TND
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) May 26, 2026
Strengthening Cooperation in Cancer Care and Nuclear Medicine
A key focus of the visit was expanding cooperation in cancer care and medical applications of nuclear technology.
Each year, more than 19 000 women in Kazakhstan are diagnosed with cancer. For many, improved access to early diagnosis and specialized treatment could significantly improve their chances of survival.
At the National Research Oncology Centre (NROC), Mr Grossi signed a New Practical Arrangement between the IAEA and the centre. The agreement will enhance collaboration in radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, diagnostic imaging, medical physics, radiopharmacy and radiation safety in medicine.
The partnership is expected to support training, improve access to modern technologies and strengthen national capabilities in diagnosing and treating cancer.
Visited Kazakhstan's National Research Oncology Center (NROC) 🇰🇿 and signed an agreement to strengthen our cooperation in radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, diagnostic imaging, medical physics, radiopharmacy and radiation safety in medicine.
Impressed by the Center and the… pic.twitter.com/4A2EAnLBjF
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) May 26, 2026
Mr Grossi also delivered a lecture to students at Nazarbayev University on the IAEA's work to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear technology worldwide. He highlighted the Agency's support to Kazakhstan across areas including nuclear power, cancer care and food security, and welcomed the strong interest shown by students in science and the future of nuclear energy.
Kazakhstan and the IAEA have a long history of cooperation, and the country also hosts the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Bank , which plays an important role in global nuclear fuel supply assurance.
