The U.S. will assist Saudi Arabia in developing nuclear power
The Chronify
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said early last week that an agreement is expected to be signed with Saudi Arabia for long-term cooperation on civil nuclear energy and technology. According to Reuters, if everything goes as planned, the agreement could be signed at the White House on Tuesday.
Reuters reported that the detailed information on nuclear cooperation between Washington and Riyadh will be formally announced at the end of this year.
However, a person involved in the discussions told Reuters on Monday, on condition of anonymity, that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will sign the framework of a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States during his visit. U.S. President Donald Trump may sign the agreement the same day if everything goes as planned.
According to the U.S. State Department, under American law, a “123 Agreement” is generally required before exporting significant nuclear materials such as reactor fuel, reactor equipment, or key components to another country. The Saudi Gazette reported that Saudi Arabia will sign this agreement under those conditions.
A “123 Agreement” typically includes provisions stating that nuclear technology will be used only for peaceful purposes and that necessary safeguards will be in place to prevent proliferation (such as the development of nuclear weapons).
Several Saudi media outlets, however, have reported that Saudi Arabia has not yet fully agreed to all such conditions. Still, once the agreement is signed, the United States may impose restrictions on uranium enrichment. The military use of the technology could also be strictly prohibited.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has said, “There will certainly be a 123 nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia.” Saudi Arabia’s energy minister said they are prepared to accept all conditions related to nuclear activities.
According to Reuters, Saudi Arabia plans to use nuclear energy as part of its “Vision 2030” initiative. The Middle Eastern nation is moving toward nuclear power to diversify its energy sources and reduce carbon emissions for a secure energy future. The United States, for its part, may see strategic and economic benefits in supporting Saudi Arabia with nuclear technology and energy.
