U.S. energy chief says to start negotiations on nuclear pact with Riyadh.
ADU DHABI (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia is interested in reaching a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Washington, the U.S. government’s energy chief said on Wednesday, a step which would allow American companies to participate in the kingdom’s civil nuclear program.
Saudi Arabia has invited U.S. firms to take part in developing the kingdom’s atomic energy program, Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Monday.
U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, who this week visited Saudi Arabia on his first official trip to the region told Reuters that negotiations between the two allies will start soon to tackle the details of the pact - known as a 123 agreement.
“We heard that message that ... ‘we want the United States to be our partner in this’,” Perry said, referring to discussions he had during his meetings with Falih and the top Saudi leadership.
