US, Saudi Arabia sign major civil nuclear cooperation agreement
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a major civil nuclear cooperation agreement, opening a new chapter in their strategic partnership and expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The agreement was signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. Along with the civil nuclear cooperation pact, both countries also signed a bilateral safeguards agreement to ensure that nuclear technology is used only for peaceful and civilian purposes.
The agreement establishes the legal framework for long-term cooperation in the civil nuclear sector. It is expected to support multi-billion-dollar investments, strengthen commercial ties, and create opportunities for collaboration on future nuclear energy projects.
US officials said the partnership will allow American companies to participate in Saudi Arabia’s growing civil nuclear programme. The agreement is also expected to increase exports of US nuclear technology, equipment, and services while creating new employment opportunities and strengthening industrial supply chains in the United States.
The two governments said the agreement reflects their shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation while maintaining the highest international standards for nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation. Officials stressed that the partnership is designed to ensure that nuclear technology is used exclusively for peaceful purposes and remains under strict international safeguards.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the agreement as an important step toward strengthening relations between Washington and Riyadh. He said the partnership would promote economic growth, improve energy cooperation, and enhance security for both countries and their regional allies.
He added that the agreement relies on advanced American nuclear technology and scientific expertise while fully complying with international nuclear safety and non-proliferation requirements.
Officials also believe the agreement will strengthen the United States’ position in the global civil nuclear industry by expanding overseas markets for American technology and reinforcing its leadership in peaceful nuclear development.
For Saudi Arabia, the agreement supports the country’s long-term energy strategy, which aims to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on oil by developing a civilian nuclear power programme alongside renewable energy projects.
The agreement will now be submitted to the US Congress for review before it can enter into force. Following congressional approval, both countries are expected to begin implementing the framework and advance cooperation on future civil nuclear projects.
