GIVING THEM THE BOMB

Saudi Arabia, US in talks to sign deal on nuclear technology

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in Riyadh on Sunday.

Reina Takla
April 13, 2025

ARAB NEWS

US and Saudi Arabia to sign agreement on energy investments and civilian nuclear technology

Further details on nuclear cooperation between Washington and Riyadh would come later this year

RIYADH: The US and Saudi Arabia will sign a preliminary agreement on energy cooperation and civilian nuclear technology, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told a press conference in the Saudi capital on Sunday.

The US official said that details on nuclear cooperation between the two countries would come later this year.

He said the cooperation will focus on building a commercial nuclear power industry in the Kingdom “with meaning developments expected this year.”

“There will definitely be a 123 nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia,” Wright said. He said Washington expects long-term cooperation with Riyadh to develop civilian nuclear industry in the Kingdom.

Responding to a question by Arab News, the top US official said the two sides will cooperate across major energy sectors with “US technologies and partnerships playing a key role.”

He said Saudi Arabia has excellent solar resources and room for technological improvement.

Wright also praised the Kingdom’s approach to efficient energy development and said it applied to all energy sources.

Commenting on the bilateral ties between the two countries, the energy secretary said: “I believe Saudi Arabia will be one of the leading countries investing in the US, which is a win for both nations.”