ST. PETERSBURG. June 15 (Interfax) - Alexei Likhachev, CEO of Russia's Rosatom state atomic energy corporation, said he plans in-person consultations with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi next week.
"We plan in-person consultations [with Grossi] next week. The time, venue, and day have yet to be finalized," Likhachev told journalists on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Thursday.
"I am sure this is not my last meeting with the IAEA director general," Likhachev said. "I'd like once again to express my support to the International Atomic Energy Agency's activities and certainly to its chief, the director general, and the mission members. Because, apart from their absolute commitment to their principles and professional duty, they're also manifesting immense personal courage," he said.
"The current visit is taking place against the backdrop of increased tensions in the military-political situation," Likhachev said.
"It has been rescheduled several times. It was impossible to conduct the mission for several weeks because of the Kiev authorities' behavior, but it still took place owing to the personal courage of IAEA employees," Likhachev said.