The United Arab Emirates has reiterated its firm determination to continue working closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, in enhancing nuclear safety.

At the 72nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly, which was held in New York, on November 10th, Saod Rashid Al Mazroui, member of the UAE delegation to the United Nations, highlighted the UAE's close work with IAEA in the area of nuclear safety and its compliance with the standards of nuclear safety and non-proliferation.

The session also reviewed the IAEA Annual Report 2016.

Al Mazroui commended the agency for its work in transferring technology and knowledge to support Member States’ development needs, saying that those programmes contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promoted cooperation through the exchange of best practices and strategic partnerships, and provided valuable support in the development of infrastructure and human resources for a safe and successful nuclear programme.

He expressed the UAE's appreciation to IAEA's Director-General Yukiya Amano, for his commendable leadership and congratulated him on his re-election, as well as for the agency's hard work and achievements on the report.

The UAE representative also conveyed the UAE's recognition of the agency's pivotal role in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology as part of goals to developing national nuclear energy programmes.