On Wednesday, the United States and Saudi Arabia finalized a major civilian nuclear accord, laying the groundwork for joint efforts on the kingdom's peaceful atomic energy initiatives.

The arrangement formalizes years of negotiations between Washington and Riyadh over civilian nuclear cooperation.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's energy minister, and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed both the 123 Agreement and a bilateral safeguards agreement.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the agreements establish the legal foundation for a decades-long partnership aimed at expanding Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear energy program while upholding international standards for nuclear safety, security and nonproliferation.

The pact is expected to open doors for American firms to participate in Saudi Arabia's nuclear energy sector, helping the kingdom meet its growing power demands.

The U.S. Department of Energy stated that the agreements bolster regional security by reinforcing high standards for nuclear safety and nonproliferation, while also enhancing U.S. competitiveness in civilian nuclear technology.

"This agreement reflects our two nations' shared commitment to strengthening U.S.-Saudi commercial relations, delivering prosperity at home and security to our allies abroad," Wright said.

He said the agreement maintains the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation while relying on advanced U.S. nuclear technology, adding that it marks another step in expanding American civilian nuclear exports under President Donald Trump's administration.

The partnership is expected to expand U.S. nuclear technology exports, create high-paying jobs in the United States, strengthen energy and national security cooperation, reinforce global nonproliferation standards and deepen the strategic partnership between Washington and Riyadh.

The 123 Agreement is a standard legal framework required for U.S. nuclear exports, including safeguards to ensure peaceful use. This pact is seen as a step toward deeper strategic ties between the two countries, particularly in energy and security. It also aligns with the Trump administration's goal of expanding American civilian nuclear exports abroad. The deal could create high-paying U.S. jobs and strengthen nonproliferation norms globally.