Saudi Energy Minister: National Program to Explore Uranium

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, stated that the Kingdom’s status as a reliable energy source has become firmly established globally. Speaking at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he added that the Kingdom has solidified its position as an active partner in energy markets, noting that yesterday’s meeting comes at a time when the world is experiencing significant growth in energy demand. He said that diversifying energy sources has become essential to support economic growth and supply security, adding that incorporating nuclear energy into the Kingdom’s energy mix is now a fundamental priority, as the Kingdom is developing its capabilities through effective international partnerships. He affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to transparency in all its efforts to develop nuclear energy, stating that the Kingdom is working on a national program to explore uranium. He continued, “We are working to leverage all our diverse resources, whether in energy or minerals.”

In a related development, Omani Minister of Energy Salem Al-Awfi said that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are likely to be short-lived, affirming that the strait will remain open. He added that the situation is expected to stabilize in the medium term, expressing satisfaction that the Sultanate of Oman continues to produce oil and gas. The Omani Minister of Energy pointed out that the sharp rise in oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices is not sustainable for everyone. He emphasized the need to diversify export routes and identify alternative export options, whether through the Sultanate of Oman or Yemen.