Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman revealed this while speaking at the 67th General Assembly meeting of the IAEA, which began in Vienna on Monday, September 25, according to the report. He also said that Saudi Arabia wants to start a regional cooperation center in the country in collaboration with the IAEA to prepare and conduct rescue operations in the face of situations such as nuclear emergencies and nuclear radiation at local, regional and international levels.
Saudi Arabia supports the use of nuclear energy in a way that is beneficial to mankind in compliance with international agreements and responsibilities. He explained that Saudi Arabia also believes in social and economic benefits such as the treatment of cancer patients and nuclear energy production. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Agency’s 177 member countries.
The Minister of Energy also informed that we are actively working to develop the peaceful use of nuclear energy in various fields in collaboration with the IAEA. Prince Abdul Aziz announced the country’s support for the “Race of Hope” initiative launched by the IAEA at a cost of $2.5 million. The ‘Race of Hope’ project uses nuclear technologies to produce life-saving drugs against cancer and other diseases.
Emphasizing the importance of countering nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, he also pointed to the importance of concerted international efforts to implement the provisions of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
A month ago, there were media reports that the Saudi government was considering China’s interest in building a nuclear power plant in Saudi Arabia. In late August, the Wall Street Journal reported that Saudi Arabia was considering a draft proposal prepared by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) after the United States refused to support Saudi Arabia’s move to build a nuclear power plant.