Damascus, August 18 (QNA) -  Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shaibani met Tuesday with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi during his visit to Syria. Al Shaibani and Grossi discussed means of resolving issues related to safeguards pertaining to nuclear materials.

During a joint press conference following the meeting, Al Shaibani underscored Syria's commitment to non-proliferation and the thorough implementation of the safeguards deal signed with the IAEA.

He stressed that Syria acted on its own initiative to apprise the agency of these matters, stemming from its conviction that full transparency on this issue is inseparable from the nation's role in positioning itself as a source of stability and security in its periphery.

Grossi, for his part, hailed the Syrian government's cooperation initiative, pointing to Syria's declaration issued on Jul. 17, 2026, on nuclear materials at a site that had not previously been declared.

Syrian authorities announced the completion of the first inspection of the declared nuclear materials, affirming that they would consistently subject these materials to the IAEA's safeguards, in parallel with the continuation of verification activities based on practical steps agreed upon between both sides.

The two sides agreed to continue inspection and verification operations with a view to reaching a thorough settlement of all pending matters, while the IAEA Director General will submit the findings of the verification work to the Board of Governors as soon as possible, paving the way for these issues to be fully addressed.

They also concurred on deepening cooperation in the area of peaceful use of nuclear science and technology and supporting the priorities of national development in Syria. (QNA)