The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement, commonly known as a 123 agreement, establishing the legal framework for long-term civil nuclear collaboration between the two countries.

The agreement, signed by US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, was accompanied by a bilateral safeguards agreement. According to the US Department of Energy, the accords pave the way for a multi-billion-dollar partnership while reinforcing nuclear safety, security and nonproliferation standards.

Agreements Lay Foundation for Long-Term Partnership

In a statement, the US Department of Energy said the two agreements establish the legal basis for a decades-long partnership that advances both economic and strategic priorities.

“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.

It added that the 123 agreement would enable greater participation by American companies in Saudi Arabia’s civil nuclear energy programme, creating opportunities for US industry, workers and supply chains while supporting the Kingdom’s energy requirements.

Focus on Nuclear Safety and Strategic Cooperation

According to the statement, the agreements also strengthen regional and US security by maintaining high standards of nuclear safety, security and nonproliferation while enhancing America’s position in the global civil nuclear technology market.

Secretary Chris Wright said the agreements reflected the close commercial and strategic ties between the two countries.

“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,” 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.”

Deal Supports US Nuclear Export Strategy

The Department of Energy said the agreement builds on President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on deploying advanced nuclear reactor technologies for national security, particularly provisions aimed at expanding international partnerships under Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

The department said the partnership is expected to expand exports of American nuclear technology, generate high-paying jobs in the United States, strengthen energy and national security, reinforce global nonproliferation standards and deepen the strategic partnership between Washington and Riyadh.

The agreement will now be transmitted to the US Congress for review before it can move forward.

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