VIENNA — The Permanent Mission of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna hailed Syria's cooperation and transparency with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This is in terms of facilitating the agency's access to the sites concerned and enabling it to carry out inspection and verification activities in accordance with the steps agreed upon by the two sides. The Saudi mission welcomed the joint statement issued on August 18, 2026, by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and the IAEA, as well as the positive progress in cooperation between the two sides, the steps taken by the Syrian government to address outstanding safeguards issues, and the announcements made during the IAEA Director General's visit to Syria.The mission said these measures represent an important and positive development toward addressing and resolving outstanding issues. The mission expressed appreciation for IAEA's efforts, led by Director General Rafael Grossi, and underscored the agency's pivotal role in supporting member states in ways that promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and advance the Sustainable Development Goals.The Saudi mission said that it looks forward to continuing to work and cooperate with IAEA member states in support of efforts to enhance security and stability in the region.