Saudi Arabia and the United States signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement on Wednesday, establishing a framework for long-term cooperation on civilian nuclear energy and paving the way for the development of the kingdom's nuclear program with US participation. The agreement was signed by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the Saudi Energy Ministry said. The Saudi energy ministry said the agreement builds on the two countries' strategic partnership and follows up on an announcement made during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to the United States in November, when negotiations on peaceful nuclear energy cooperation were completed. The US Department of Energy said the agreement, together with a related safeguards accord, establishes the legal framework for a decades-long partnership worth billions of dollars. It said the deal would help meet Saudi Arabia's energy needs while allowing US companies to participate in the kingdom's nuclear program under the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation. The department said the agreement would expand cooperation in civilian nuclear technology and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. Wright said in a statement that the agreements reflect a shared commitment to strengthening commercial ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia, advancing prosperity at home and security for their allies abroad. “Rest assured, these agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation, while relying on the world’s best nuclear technology and scientists, designed right here in the United States,” Wright said. “Thanks to President Trump, the American nuclear renaissance is underway and will deliver long-term benefits to the American and Saudi people,” he added.
