Washington, DC, July 23 (ANI): U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement, commonly known as a “123 agreement,” along with an accompanying bilateral safeguards agreement, the U.S. Department of Energy announced in a statement.
“Together, these two agreements lay the legal foundation for a decades-long, multi-billion-dollar partnership that advances several priority economic and strategic objectives, including nuclear nonproliferation,” the department said in a statement posted on X.
According to the statement, the 123 agreement provides expanded access for American companies to participate in Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy program, benefiting U.S. industry, workers, and supply chains while helping meet the Kingdom’s energy needs.
The agreements also advance U.S. and regional security by upholding high standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation while strengthening the United States’ competitive position in civil nuclear technology.
“These agreements reflect our two nations’ shared commitment to strengthening U.S.-Saudi commercial relations, delivering prosperity at home and security to our allies abroad,” Secretary Wright said.
“Rest assured, these agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation, while relying on the world’s best nuclear technology and scientists, designed right here in the United States.”
The Department of Energy added, “Under President Trump’s leadership, America is restoring its competitive edge in the global civil nuclear marketplace.”
The agreement builds on President Trump’s Executive Order, Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security, specifically Section 8, Promoting American Nuclear Exports, which supports expanding international partnerships for U.S. civil nuclear cooperation under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
According to the department, the partnership will expand American nuclear technology exports, create high-paying U.S. jobs and support long-term economic growth, strengthen U.S. energy and national security, reinforce global nuclear nonproliferation standards, and deepen the strategic partnership between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The agreement will now be transmitted to Congress for review. (ANI)
About The Author
