Riyadh seeking nuclear power development with Russia, China: Report

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The New York Times
1 Apr 2023 23:11

Saudi officials reportedly explore options for nuclear power development cooperation with countries other than the US.

An aerial image of the nuclear reactor site in King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia (Google Earth)

Saudi Arabia's officials have been seeking aid from the United States to develop nuclear power for years to no avail and are currently exploring options to work with other countries, including China and Russia, The New York Times reported on Saturday, citing sources.

Unnamed officials with knowledge of the discussions told the newspaper that nuclear partnership talks between Saudi Arabia and the US have dragged on primarily due to Riyadh's refusal to agree to the terms that would prevent it from developing nuclear weapons or helping other countries in this field.

Therefore, Saudi officials are reportedly exploring options for cooperation with other countries, including China, Russia, or some ally of the US, the report indicated.

It added that at the same time, Saudi officials are renewing pressure on Washington by offering to normalize relations with "Israel" in exchange for its cooperation in the construction of nuclear reactors and other guarantees, the report claimed.

This comes a couple of days after Saudi Arabia's King Salman authorized during a Cabinet session a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to grant the Arab country the status of a dialogue partner in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

King Salman also approved the signing of an MOU between the Kingdom and China on technical and vocational training.

The decision came one day after Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, during which Xi said that China plans to maintain strong collaboration with Saudi Arabia on matters important for both countries, strengthening practical cooperation and humanitarian exchange.

In January, Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud said that his country was intending to use its uranium reserves to produce low-enriched uranium and increase international cooperation in the nuclear sector.

In 2018, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman said that the Kingdom would begin to develop its own nuclear weapons if Iran allegedly came into possession of nuclear arms.