The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, US and Saudi officials announced on Wednesday. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the pact, known as a 123 Agreement, along with a separate bilateral safeguards agreement.
The deal establishes the legal framework for long-term cooperation on Saudi Arabia's peaceful nuclear energy program. It gives US companies priority access to build nuclear reactors and supply fuel to the kingdom. The agreement is expected to last for decades and be worth billions of dollars, while creating high-paying jobs in the United States.
According to the US Department of Energy, the agreement reinforces global nonproliferation standards and strengthens regional security. It also enhances US competitiveness in civilian nuclear technology. The deal could pave the way for building a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, though few details were released.
Wright said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening US-Saudi commercial relations and delivering prosperity at home while providing security to allies abroad. The partnership is expected to expand American nuclear technology exports and deepen the strategic relationship between Washington and Riyadh.