Saudi Arabia and US sign landmark nuclear cooperation agreement

Saudi Arabia and the United States have signed an agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, along with a bilateral nuclear safeguards agreement. This move establishes a legal and strategic framework for civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries and strengthens their longstanding partnership in energy and advanced technologies.

The signing follows the announcement made during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to the US last November, when negotiations on peaceful nuclear energy cooperation were declared complete.

The agreement was signed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, together with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Known in the US as a "123 Agreement," it forms the legal basis for civil nuclear cooperation between the two nations. Both sides also signed a bilateral nuclear safeguards agreement to enhance nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation standards.

The agreement aims to boost cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy, support the exchange of expertise, knowledge, and technology, and develop joint collaboration in line with the highest international standards for nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation. It reflects the shared vision of both countries to expand cooperation in energy, future technologies, and sustainable development.

The US Department of Energy stated that the agreement gives American companies a key role in implementing Saudi Arabia's civil nuclear program, supporting US exports and creating economic and industrial opportunities. It will also help meet Saudi Arabia's energy needs and enhance long-term energy security.

The department added that the agreement, along with the nuclear safeguards accord, establishes the highest standards of nuclear safety and security, relying on US technology and expertise to develop Saudi Arabia's civil nuclear program and further strengthening strategic cooperation between Riyadh and Washington.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the agreements reflect both countries' commitment to strengthening commercial and strategic ties, noting they will bring long-term economic benefits to both the Saudi and American peoples while upholding the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation.

The US Department of Energy also explained that the agreement will help expand US nuclear technology exports, create jobs in the United States, and deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries in the energy sector.

The agreement builds on existing Saudi-US cooperation in the energy sector, supports efforts to diversify energy sources, develop advanced technologies, and enhance opportunities for cooperation and investment to serve the mutual interests of both nations.

The agreement will be submitted to the US Congress for review and completion of the procedures required under US law before it enters into force.