Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told the IAEA General Conference that Riyadh would implement a comprehensive nuclear inspection agreement
“The Kingdom is committed to its national nuclear energy policy, which guarantees the highest standards of transparency and reliability,” the Saudi Energy Minister said in a statement after meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi.
Prince Abdulaziz announced, at the IAEA 67th General Conference in Austria, that his country will “work closely with the agency to benefit from the expertise and advisory services it provides.”
سمو #وزير_الطاقة يؤكد: المملكة ملتزمة بسياستها الوطنية للطاقة النووية التي تضمن أعلى معايير الشفافية والموثوقية، وهي تعمل بشكل وثيق مع الوكالة للاستفادة من الخبرات والخدمات الاستشارية التي تقدمها.https://t.co/mEP3VGdz19#IAEAGC pic.twitter.com/Kj6uWYcIWn
— وزارة الطاقة (@MoEnergy_Saudi) September 25, 2023
The process would see Riyadh first rescind its basic oversight agreement with IAEA and then implement an upgraded Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, which grants inspectors much broader powers to inspect nuclear activities.
“As Saudi Arabia advances its civilian nuclear energy plans, relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be even more intensive and closer. We stand ready to support, ensuring safe and efficient energy for the country,” Grossi said in a tweet.
Met with @MoEnergy_Saudi Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud today at #IAEAGC. We signed an agreement for #SaudiArabia to provide the @IAEAorg with junior professional officers, marking a significant step in nuclear expertise and cooperation. Thanks to 🇸🇦 for the support. pic.twitter.com/KKZ05tqyLB
— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) September 25, 2023
The Kingdom’s announcement to upgrade to a comprehensive nuclear inspection agreement with the UN atomic agency came as media reported that Riyadh and Washington have been working toward a normalization deal with the Zionist entity.
Source: Agencies
