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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 in facilitating access to concerned sites and enabling inspection as well as verification activities according to mutually agreed steps. The mission specifically welcomed the joint statement released on August 18 by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates together with the IAEA following Director General Rafael Grossi’s visit to the country. These measures constitute an important positive development toward resolving the outstanding safeguards issues while the mission expressed appreciation for the IAEA’s efforts in promoting peaceful nuclear applications and sustainable development goals.
A joint statement published on the IAEA website reported that Grossi visited Damascus on August 17 and 18 at Syria’s invitation and met with Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani. The trip included the Deir Ez-Zor site where Syrian excavation work continues under an agreed timetable as well as a second location connected to nuclear material that Syria declared on July 17. Both sides agreed on concrete steps now being implemented to address safeguards matters arising from undeclared activities under the former regime with the director general scheduled to report findings to the Board of Governors at the earliest opportunity.
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s joint statement noted that Syria reaffirmed its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and full implementation of the associated safeguards agreement. Syrian authorities facilitated initial verification of the declared nuclear material which remains under national custody while the country exercises sovereign responsibility in line with its international obligations. The document described the visit and agreements as the most significant advance to date in cooperation aimed at resolving these legacy questions and opening a new phase of broader partnership.
Deir Ez-Zor has figured prominently in past IAEA concerns after a suspected reactor there was destroyed in a 2007 airstrike prior to operation according to assessments from that era by the agency and other international bodies. Following the political transition in Syria after December 2024 the new authorities have pursued greater openness on these inherited files as part of national undertakings the joint statement indicated. Grossi welcomed the proactive engagement including support from President Ahmed Al-Sharaa for the verification process.
The Saudi mission’s statement looked forward to ongoing collaboration with IAEA member states to strengthen security and stability throughout the region. It underscored the agency’s pivotal role in verification activities that advance peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. Both the joint release and the mission’s reaction emphasized that remaining steps will proceed without delay to achieve full resolution at the forthcoming Board of Governors session.
