MOSCOW, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his condolences over the passing away of Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano to Amano's widow Yukika Amano, the Kremlin said Monday.

"I personally met with Yukiya Amano many times and always admired his wisdom and foresight, and his ability to make carefully weighed decisions during some of the most complicated circumstances," Putin said.

Putin said that Russia will remember Amano as an outstanding diplomat and dedicated supporter of strengthening international security and stability.

He also praised Amano's significant contributions to increasing the IAEA's efficiency, and his efforts to develop peaceful nuclear energy and reinforce the non-proliferation regime.

Amano, who had been the chief of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog since 2009, died at the age of 72. The IAEA announced his death on Monday, without specifying the time and cause. It said he had previously sent a resignation letter to the agency. Enditem

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