Vienna, September 14 (QNA) - Syria has placed 73 tonnes of natural uranium under the supervision and safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shaibani said on Monday.

Speaking at the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Al Shaibani said the move marked a new phase of cooperation between Syria and the agency based on transparency and trust.

He said Syria had disclosed the presence of nuclear material at an undeclared site in July and subsequently signed a memorandum of understanding and roadmap with the IAEA on peaceful nuclear activities.

The United States welcomed Syria's steps, with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright saying Damascus had begun providing complete and accurate reports to the IAEA in line with its safeguards agreement. (QNA)