On April 14, Pakistan reported that both the United States and Saudi Arabia are set to ink an initial accord aimed at fostering cooperation in the field of civilian nuclear technology. According to a high-ranking Saudi official stationed in Pakistan, who referred back to remarks made by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, this alliance seeks to assist Saudi Arabia as it works towards establishing its own civilian nuclear sector.
A tweet from Saudi Press Attaché Dr. Naif Al-Otaibi highlighted Wright’s statement. According to him, the two nations were set to finalize an investment pact concentrating on energy and civilian nuclear tech shortly. This cooperation was addressed following a discussion between Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in Riyadh.
Wright mentioned during his visit that a comprehensive memo about the energy collaboration will be distributed later this year. He stressed the significance of a “123 agreement,” an essential requirement for the United States’ participation in Saudi Arabia’s nuclear initiatives. Such an accord guarantees adherence to non-proliferation standards aimed at preventing the abuse of nuclear technology.
Wright mentioned that Saudi officials haven’t approved the conditions set forth in the Atomic Energy Act. Nonetheless, he remained hopeful they would find an arrangement aligning with the objectives of both Saudi Arabia and the United States. Such collaboration has the potential to substantially enhance Saudi Arabia’s energy industry going ahead.