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Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman addressed the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna on Monday to outline the kingdom’s approach to nuclear energy. He affirmed that Saudi Arabia exercises its rights to peaceful nuclear technology in line with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty while upholding the highest standards of responsibility and openness. The minister stressed that the kingdom does not develop its peaceful nuclear program in isolation from the international community or through activities managed in secret bunkers or facilities hidden deep in mountains.
In his remarks the energy minister noted that this stance reflects a clear policy of transparency, openness and international collaboration. He pointed to Saudi Arabia’s cooperation with global partners and the IAEA as central to its nuclear activities. The statement comes amid the kingdom’s ongoing efforts to build a civil nuclear framework that supports economic diversification goals.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman added that the kingdom is proceeding with programs to explore its uranium resources. These initiatives include extracting uranium associated with phosphate fertilizer production in addition to conventional mining methods. He highlighted plans to transform natural resources into sustainable economic value through such development while maintaining full compliance with international norms.
The minister further outlined work to enhance capabilities in discovering rare earth minerals and to strengthen the nuclear energy response system’s readiness. He indicated that these steps align with broader objectives to leverage local assets for long-term growth. According to details reported by Asharq Al-Awsat the address also touched on addressing misunderstandings regarding certain nuclear agreements the kingdom has signed.
Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy plans form a pillar of its Vision 2030 program to support sectors including electricity generation, industry, medicine and scientific research a framework Arab News has detailed in its coverage of the initiative. The minister’s latest comments build on prior announcements including a commitment to rescind the Small Quantities Protocol in favor of a full Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement as Reuters reported from an earlier IAEA session. This progression underscores the kingdom’s engagement with the IAEA to verify the exclusively peaceful nature of its activities.
