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 a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement, establishing a long-term partnership in civil 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 that the agreement comes within the framework of the strategic partnership between the two countries and complements 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 Department of Energy said that the agreement (along with a related accompanying agreement on safeguards) establishes the legal framework for a partnership that spans decades and is valued in billions of dollars, supporting the Kingdom's energy needs and enabling 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 strengthens the common interests of the two countries by expanding cooperation in civil nuclear technology and cementing the strategic partnership between them.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said: 'These two agreements reflect our two countries' shared commitment to strengthening trade relations 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 are based 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 witnessing a nuclear renaissance that will bring long-term benefits to the American and Saudi peoples.'

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