The deal now heads to the US Congress for review and is expected to deepen strategic and commercial ties between the two allies….reports Asian Lite News Desk
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement, establishing the legal framework for long-term collaboration on the Kingdom’s planned nuclear energy programme and allowing American companies to participate in the sector.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement, known as a Section 123 agreement, along with a bilateral safeguards agreement on Wednesday (local time).
The US Department of Energy described the accords as the foundation for a decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership that supports Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear ambitions while advancing US commercial, strategic and non-proliferation interests.
The agreement is expected to expand opportunities for American companies in Saudi Arabia’s emerging nuclear energy market while supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its energy sources beyond oil.
According to the Energy Department, the accompanying safeguards agreement commits both countries to maintaining high standards of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation.
“These agreements reflect our two nations’ shared commitment to strengthening US-Saudi commercial relations, delivering prosperity at home and security to our allies abroad,” Wright said after the signing.
“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.”
He added: “Thanks to President Trump, the American nuclear renaissance is underway and will deliver long-term benefits to the American and Saudi people.”
The Energy Department said the agreement forms part of the Trump administration’s strategy to strengthen US leadership in the global civil nuclear industry and expand exports of American nuclear technology.
Officials said the partnership is expected to boost US nuclear technology exports, create high-paying jobs, strengthen energy and national security, reinforce international non-proliferation standards and deepen strategic ties between Washington and Riyadh.
The agreement also builds on President Donald Trump’s executive order promoting the deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies for national security and encouraging the export of American civil nuclear technology under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
Under US law, a Section 123 agreement is required before Washington can enter into significant civilian nuclear cooperation with another country. Such agreements establish the legal framework governing nuclear trade, technology transfers and broader cooperation while ensuring compliance with non-proliferation commitments.
The agreement will now be submitted to the US Congress for review before it can take effect.
