Xi's address on nuclear issues welcomed by Dutch experts

The call by Chinese President Xi Jinping to strengthen the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was welcomed by Dutch experts on Wednesday. [Special coverage]

"The Chinese president emphasizing the importance of nuclear security capacity building in countries embarking on nuclear power was extremely important," Peter Bode, associate professor in nuclear science and engineering at the Delft University of Technology, told Xinhua.

"As safeguards should be a precondition to gaining access to such technology, the role of the IAEA should be further strengthened. Preventing and combatting nuclear terrorism depends on the commitments of world leaders and efforts. In such a context, the Chinese president's intentions are most welcome," he added.

Sico van der Meer, research fellow at the think tank Clingendael Institute, said President Xi's address at the nuclear security summit in the Hague helped emphasize that risks surrounding nuclear security can be diminished if countries work together.

"International cooperation is a core element of enhancing nuclear security, as the president said very well," he stated.

"I think it is important to deal with nuclear security on a global level, which can best be done through a multilateral institution like the IAEA. The need to strengthen the role of the IAEA in this specific field is indeed crucial," Van der Meer said.