Riyadh and Washington Sign 'Nuclear' Agreement

Riyadh-Washington-Agencies: Saudi Arabia and the United States have signed an agreement on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy between the two countries, as part of the strategic partnership uniting them, following the announcement made during Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the United States last November regarding the completion of negotiations on cooperation between the two countries in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy and enhancing bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy and advanced technologies.

For his part, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed yesterday that Saudi Arabia is a “key strategic partner” of the United States. He pointed out that concluding an agreement on cooperation in the field of civilian nuclear energy with Saudi Arabia is logical, clarifying that any such agreement will include safeguards. Rubio told journalists on the sidelines of a meeting of foreign ministers in Manila that the United States is constantly seeking opportunities to conclude civilian nuclear agreements, noting that any nuclear agreements will be presented to the US Congress.

The agreement, signed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and support the exchange of expertise, knowledge, and technologies, contributing to the development of joint cooperation in accordance with the highest international standards related to nuclear security, safety, and non-proliferation. It reflects the shared vision of the two countries toward expanding cooperation in the fields of energy and future technologies and supporting sustainable development.

The agreement represents an extension of the existing cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector, and supports efforts aimed at diversifying energy sources, developing advanced technologies, and enhancing opportunities for cooperation and investment to achieve the common interests of the two countries. The step paves the way for establishing a long-term strategic partnership in the nuclear energy sector, according to the US Department of Energy. The ministry stated that the agreement, along with a bilateral safeguards agreement, establishes the legal framework governing nuclear cooperation between the two countries, thereby opening the door to expanding cooperation in peaceful nuclear fields in the coming decades.