Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday hailed the achievements of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and pledged China's support for the organization in its work.

In a congratulatory message on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the IAEA, Wen hailed the achievements the agency has made in promoting nuclear energy and preventing the proliferation of nuclear arms since its founding.

Wen's message was read out by Sun Qin, chief of the China Atomic Energy Authority, at an IAEA meeting that opened in Vienna on Monday.

In the message, Wen reaffirmed the Chinese government's all-round support for the UN nuclear watchdog in its area of responsibility.

Sun also briefed participants at the meeting on China's achievements in the use of nuclear energy and reiterated China's support for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and its opposition to the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

(Xinhua News Agency September 18, 2007)