IAEA Director General Meets President of Syria and Agrees on New Engagement with Syria and Increased Cancer Care Support

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi met President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian Arab Republic on 19 March. The IAEA and Syria will have a new engagement with a view to providing confidence in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy for the benefit of the Syrian people. The IAEA will also intensify efforts in supporting Syria in terms of cancer care, in line with its Rays of Hope initiative, which provides life-saving equipment and treatment to help cancer patients in countries where the need is greatest.

Mr Grossi said: "Important to meet President Bashar al-Assad today in Damascus and agree on a new engagement between Syria and IAEA with a view to providing confidence in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in Syria for the benefit of its people.

"I highlighted the IAEA's support for Syria's health sector. Expanding on our post-earthquake assistance last year, we're now intensifying efforts in cancer care, demonstrating our commitment to Syria's development."

Prior to meetings in Damascus with the President and Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, Mr Grossi visited the Al-Bairouni Hospital.