The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement aimed at expanding bilateral energy ties and supporting the development of the Kingdom’s nuclear energy programme, the US Department of Energy announced on Wednesday.
The agreement was signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. It includes a peaceful nuclear cooperation accord, commonly known as a 123 Agreement, along with a bilateral safeguards agreement.
According to the Energy Department, the agreements establish the legal framework for a long-term, multi-billion-dollar partnership focused on strengthening commercial relations, energy cooperation and nuclear non-proliferation.
The department said the deal would provide significant opportunities for US companies to participate in Saudi Arabia’s civil nuclear programme, benefiting American industry, workers and supply chains while helping meet the Kingdom’s growing energy needs.
Officials added that the agreements reinforce nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation standards, while strengthening the United States’ competitive position in the global civil nuclear technology sector and supporting broader regional security objectives.