Riyadh: The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna welcomed the joint statement issued on August 18, 2026, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic and the International Atomic Energy Agency (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.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the mission commended Syria's cooperation and transparency with the IAEA, including 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 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 Kingdom's Permanent Mission looks forward to continuing to work and cooperate with IAEA member states in support of efforts to enhance security and stability in the region.