The US Department of Energy announced that Washington and Riyadh have signed a nuclear cooperation agreement and a bilateral safeguards agreement, an agreement that provides the legal framework for the two countries’ long-term partnership in the field of civilian nuclear energy.
According to the US Department of Energy, this agreement aims to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation, support Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program, and support the nuclear non-proliferation regime, and is estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
American media reported that the agreement will be valid for 30 years and that American companies, including Westinghouse, will participate in the development of Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program. The agreement could also pave the way for the construction of uranium enrichment facilities on Saudi soil after conducting joint studies.
According to the Guardian, Donald Trump is expected to send the agreement to the US Congress for review and approval, although a number of lawmakers are likely to oppose it.
The report also adds that the agreement is likely not to include the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol.
