Saudi Arabia and the United States announced last evening the signing by Saudi Minister of Energy, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright of an agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation, establishing a long-term partnership in civilian nuclear energy and opening the way for the development of the Saudi nuclear program in cooperation with the United States.

The Saudi Ministry of Energy said the agreement comes within the framework of the strategic partnership between the two countries and as a completion of what was announced during the visit of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman 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.

The US Energy Ministry said the agreement (along with a companion agreement on safeguards) establishes the legal framework for a partnership lasting decades and valued at billions of dollars, supporting Saudi Arabia’s energy needs and allowing US companies to participate in the Saudi nuclear program, while adhering to the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation.

The ministry added that the agreement enhances the common interests of the two countries by expanding cooperation in civilian nuclear technology and solidifying the strategic partnership between them.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said: ‘These two agreements reflect our two countries' shared commitment to strengthening commercial ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia, achieving prosperity at home, and security for our allies abroad.’ He added: ‘You can rest assured that these two agreements adhere to the highest standards of nuclear safety and non-proliferation, and rely on the best nuclear technologies and scientists in the world—technologies developed here in the United States. Thanks to President Trump, the United States is experiencing a nuclear renaissance that will bring long-term benefits to both the American and Saudi peoples.’

Read also