Davos, Switzerland – The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Yukiya Amano, met President Shimon Peres of Israel on 24 January while attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The Director General and President Peres discussed areas of common interest, as well as developments in the Middle East region.

Director General Amano noted the intensification of the IAEA’s dialogue with Iran, aimed at resolving the outstanding issues related to that country’s nuclear programme. He made clear the Agency’s commitment to dialogue, and the need to resolve issues with Iran by diplomatic means.

The Director General thanked President Peres for Israel’s participation at the November 2011 Forum on Experience of Possible Relevance to the Creation of a Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zone in the Middle East, and stressed the importance of a successful conference on a Middle East free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.

 Director General Amano and President Peres also discussed ongoing cooperation between Israel and the Agency in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.