Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency have confirmed that they will continue to work together to ensure the safety of the treated and diluted water being released into the ocean from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Since the plant's operator started releasing the water into the Pacific in August last year, the IAEA has been conducting its own sampling survey in Fukushima to monitor the safety of the operation.

Water used to cool molten fuel at the plant has been mixing with rain and groundwater. The accumulated water is being treated to remove most radioactive substances, but it still contains tritium.

Before releasing the treated water into the ocean, the plant's operator dilutes it to reduce the tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidance level for drinking water.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has been visiting Japan since Tuesday in his first visit since the water-release operation began seven months ago.

During his meeting with Grossi on Thursday, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his appreciation for the strong commitment that the IAEA chief has demonstrated in monitoring the operation.

Kishida said that Japan will continue to work to expand international understanding and support for the release operation through transparent methods based on scientific evidence.

Grossi mentioned that he visited the Fukushima Daiichi plant on Wednesday. He said he confirmed that the water release operation is being conducted in accordance with international standards.

Kishida and Grossi also discussed nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in these areas as well.