In his remarks to the 68th Session of the General Conference of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the Austrian capital Vienna this week, Saudi Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, said that Saudi Arabia continues work on building its first nuclear power plant and that, “We are continuing to implement our national project for peaceful nuclear energy, while our systems and infrastructure meet the required international regulatory requirements.”
In an important step encouraged by the IAEA Saudi Arabia has, “completed the essential administrative preparations related to nuclear regulatory framework and the requirements for implementing to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and has submitted a request to the Agency in July of 2024 to rescind the Small Quantities Protocol (SQP) and implement the full Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.”
The SQP is expected to be fully rescinded by the end of this year.
According to Reuters, the IAEA has long been in talks with Riyadh to switch to a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement that covers issues like inspections in countries that have ratified the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi commended Saudi Arabia on the switch.
Saudi Arabia has yet to activate its first nuclear reactor but, according to Prince Abdulaziz:
“The Kingdom continues to stand by its legally binding international commitments related to its national nuclear energy project, and that the Kingdom’s national legislation and institutional infrastructure satisfy all requirements for controlling nuclear materials and technology, as well as regulating exports, consistent with its obligations and fulfilling its important role under the international non-proliferation regime. “
Saudi Arabia will host an international conference on nuclear emergencies in Riyadh at the end of 2025 as part of the it’s focus on preparedness to nuclear emergencies and in recognition of the IAEA’s important role in this area.
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