Saudi Arabia, US sign historic nuclear cooperation agreement

WASHINGTON — Saudi Arabia and the United States signed a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement on Wednesday, establishing the legal framework for long-term collaboration on the Kingdom’s peaceful nuclear energy program.Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wrightsigned the agreement, commonly known as a 123 Agreement, along with 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 agreement is expected to provide opportunities for American companies to participate in the Kingdom’s nuclear energy sector, while helping Saudi Arabia meet its growing energy needs.The U.S. Department of Energy said the agreements also strengthen regional security by reinforcing high standards for nuclear safety and nonproliferation and 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.