The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says he is hoping for the prompt conclusion of his agency's investigation into Seoul's past nuclear activities.

In a news conference held upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport Sunday, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said the Seoul government is cooperating with inspectors in a very transparent manner, adding that he hoped the investigations would wrap up as early as possible.

ElBaradei came to South Korea to take part in the Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs.

Shortly after his arrival, he met with Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon and thanked Ban for Seoul's cooperation toward the agency's on-site inspection. ElBaradei said his agency will submit a fair and neutral report on the issue in November when the agency's board of governors will convene in Vienna.