The 26th Meeting of National RCA Representatives was opened on 12 April 2004 at Holiday Inn in Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan, one of the pioneering Member States of RCA, whole-heartedly welcomed National RCA Representatives and their delegations. Mr Khurshid M. Kasuri, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan joined in the inauguration function of the Meeting and reiterated the country’s support to IAEA in the peaceful nuclear technology use. He particularly paid tribute to RCA for the socio-economic contributions to the region. During the 5-day Meeting, Representatives from 17 RCA Member States in Asia and the Pacific region will discuss how they effectively and efficiently carry out peaceful regional nuclear cooperative projects to meet the increasing requirements of the region.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan emphasized ‘Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries’ (TCDC) through RCA for the sustainable development of the region. Representing IAEA, Mr Peter Manase Salema, Director, TCPA, highlighted in his address the global requirements for sustainable development, the WEHAB identified by WSSD, and urged RCA projects to suit the requirements.

Mr Parvez Butt, Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), the host organization of this Meeting, expressed that the country is eager to share experiences and expertise in peaceful nuclear technology application fields with other Member States in the region for the socio-economic development.

This year’s Meeting is the second hosting by Pakistan in the RCA milestones. Pakistan hosted the 7th Meeting of National RCA Representatives in 1985 in Lahore. Mr Munim Awais of PAEC, National RCA Representative of Pakistan was elected as the Chair of this Meeting.

Mr Kim, Jin-Kyoung, Director, RCARO presented at the Meeting on the RCARO initiated new programmes together with 2004 Work Plan of RCARO. Member States recognized the RCARO’s dedicated activities and appreciated contributions by RCARO.