ST. PETERSBURG, October 11. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that Moscow remains committed to the non-proliferation of military nuclear technologies.

"We have always advocated all states’ equal access to the benefits of civil nuclear power. At the same time, we believe - just as before - that everything must be done in order to limit the proliferation of military nuclear technologies," Putin said at a meeting with IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi on Tuesday.

The Russian leader said he was very glad to welcome Grossi in St. Petersburg.

"Russia has always supported the agency. It was also one of those who contributed heavily to its emergence in 1957," Putin recalled. He stressed that Moscow attached great importance to IAEA activities.

Putin drew attention to Russia’s achievements in civil nuclear power.

"We were the first to create a fast neutron reactor. We develop shipbuilding and nuclear propulsion systems. The first floating nuclear power plants were created in Russia," he recalled. "In many respects, Russia occupies leading positions in the world in the field of nuclear research."

At the meeting, Putin and Grossi exchanged a long handshake. Then they took seats opposite each other at the conference table.