DUBAI: The UAE has been re-elected to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for another two-year period during the group鈥檚 annual general conference.

The UAE recently activated the reactor of Unit 1 of the Barakah nuclear facility, the first Arab country to develop and operate a nuclear power plant, achieving 50 percent of its electricity production capacity.

The Gulf nation had previously occupied the seat, one of IAEA鈥檚 policy-making bodies, from 2016 to 2018, from 2013 to 2015 and from 2010-2012.

The 35-member board examines and makes recommendations to the General Conference on the IAEA鈥檚 financial statements, program and budget. It considers applications for membership, approves safeguards agreements and the publication of the agency鈥檚 safety standards.

鈥淭he election of the UAE on IAEA鈥檚 Board of Governors underscores the confidence of the international community in the active role of the UAE in the international nuclear policy-making process,鈥� said Hamad Al-Kaabi, permanent representative of the UAE to the IAEA, said in a statement.

鈥淭he move also underlines the global appreciation for the UAE鈥檚 successful efforts and its responsible approach towards the development of a peaceful nuclear energy program.鈥�

With the recent startup of the first nuclear power reactor, UAE has progressed well in the development of its national peaceful nuclear energy program.