Rubio: Riyadh is an important partner... and the nuclear agreement with it is logical

The day after the signing of a nuclear cooperation agreement between Saudi Arabia and the United States, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that the Kingdom is a “key strategic partner” of the United States, noting that concluding a civil nuclear energy cooperation agreement with it is logical. He also linked the agreement to U.S. efforts to expand the Abraham Accords normalization deals with Israel.

The two countries announced the signing of the agreement yesterday, which follows up on announcements made during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to the United States last November. The move lays the foundation for a long-term partnership between the two nations and supports Saudi efforts to diversify energy sources, develop advanced technologies, and enhance investment opportunities.

The agreement represents an extension of existing cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector and reflects their shared vision to expand partnership in energy and future technologies, while supporting sustainable development.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the agreement, along with a bilateral safeguards agreement, establishes the legal framework for a partnership spanning decades and valued at billions of dollars, helping to meet the Kingdom’s energy needs. It also highlights that the agreement enhances energy security and solidifies the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Wright stated that the two agreements adhere to the highest nuclear safety and non-proliferation standards and rely on “the world’s best nuclear technologies and scientists.”