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The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova stated that media concerns regarding the safety of Armenia's Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant “do not correspond to reality.”
Speaking at the weekly briefing on August 29, Zakharova stressed that the plant was built specifically for Armenia, taking into account the republic's seismological and climatic features.
She noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly confirmed its safety.
Zakharova underlined that Russian nuclear experts have been cooperating with Armenian counterparts since the plant's installation.
At present, Rosatom, Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation, is working with Armenian specialists to extend the plant’s operation until 2026. Discussions on future projects, including the possibility of new-generation facilities, are also underway.
“The Rosatom leadership is in regular contact with the Armenian government. Russia is ready for different scenarios, from modular reactors to a new large modern plant. Unlike, for example, what is advertised in the United States, Russia relies on tested developments,” Zakharova said.
She also reminded that an official invitation has been extended to Armenias Prime Minister to attend the World Atomic Week forum to be held in Russia on September 25–28.
“We do not exclude the participation of the Prime Minister of Armenia, but for final confirmation it is necessary to contact official Yerevan,” she noted, adding that Moscow sees Yerevan's interest in continuing effective cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced plans to visit Russia at the end of September.