Officially.. Saudi Arabia and America Announce Reaching Nuclear Cooperation Agreement

SadaNews - Saudi Arabia and the United States have signed an agreement for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, representing a step towards strengthening the economic relations between the two countries.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the agreement comes as part of the strategic partnership between the two countries, completing what was announced during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington last November.

The Saudi Press Agency stated that the agreement will enhance cooperation between the two countries in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy and support the exchange of expertise, knowledge, and technologies, which contributes to developing joint cooperation according to the highest international standards related to nuclear security and non-proliferation.

It continued that the agreement "represents an extension of the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector, supporting efforts to diversify energy sources, develop advanced technologies, and enhance opportunities for cooperation and investment in a way that achieves the mutual interests of the two friendly countries."

The agreement was signed on the Saudi side by Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, along with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.

For its part, the U.S. Department of Energy praised the agreement, describing it as "historic," stressing that American companies will supply the Kingdom with nuclear technology.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated in a statement that this agreement "reflects our shared commitment to enhancing U.S.-Saudi commercial relations and achieving prosperity at home and security for our allies abroad."

He added: "Rest assured, these agreements adhere to the highest nuclear safety standards and non-proliferation, relying on the best technologies and nuclear scientists in the world, designed right here in the United States."

The agreement is based on Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, known as the 123 Agreement, "along with an accompanying bilateral safeguards agreement."

Earlier yesterday, U.S. officials reported that President Donald Trump officially approved a historic agreement with Saudi Arabia that would provide Riyadh with a civilian nuclear program, potentially opening the door for uranium enrichment on Saudi territory.

The agreement is expected to last thirty years, with American companies participating in the development of the program, as confirmed by U.S. officials to the Wall Street Journal.

The agreement may permit the construction of a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia following a joint U.S.-Saudi study.