The United States communicated this Wednesday the signing of a significant collaboration agreement in the field of nuclear energy for civilian purposes with Saudi Arabia, a step that could open the door for Riyadh to carry out uranium enrichment for its non-military nuclear program.
"These agreements reflect the shared commitment of our two nations to strengthen trade relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia, providing prosperity at home and security to our allies abroad," stated U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in a statement.
The understanding, signed by Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman, will give greater access to U.S. companies to the development of the Saudi nuclear program, something that "will benefit the industry, workers, and supply chains in the United States, while helping to meet Saudi energy needs."
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the agreement — which must now be examined and validated by Congress — "lays the legal groundwork for a multimillion-dollar partnership that will last for decades and promote several priority economic and strategic objectives, including nuclear non-proliferation."
In practice, the pact will allow for boosting exports of nuclear technology produced in the United States; it will favor the creation of quality jobs and sustained economic growth; it will strengthen Washington's position in the energy and national security arena, in addition to consolidating international non-proliferation standards and deepening the strategic alliance between both countries.