US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that Saudi Arabia is an "important strategic partner" for the United States and that it makes sense to pursue an agreement on civil nuclear cooperation with the kingdom, adding that any such deal would include safeguards. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of foreign ministers in Manila, Rubio said the United States is always looking for opportunities to conclude civil nuclear agreements, adding that any such agreement would be submitted to the US Congress. On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia and the United States signed an agreement for cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, a move that lays the foundation for a long-term partnership between the two countries and supports the kingdom’s efforts to diversify energy sources, develop advanced technologies and boost investment opportunities. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy said the agreement aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and support the exchange of expertise, knowledge and technologies to help develop peaceful nuclear energy applications in line with the highest international standards on nuclear security, safety and non-proliferation. The agreement extends existing cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector and reflects their shared vision of expanding the partnership in energy, future technologies and supporting sustainable development.
