Saudi Arabia in cooperation with IAEA is working to develop peaceful uses of nuclear energy in various fields

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's energy minister, stated on Monday that the country is actively striving to develop peaceful nuclear energy applications across a range of industries in close collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The minister made this statement while addressing the 67th General Assembly meeting of the IAEA in Vienna, according to the Saudi Press Agency. This includes the Kingdom's National Atomic Energy Project, which includes the construction of the nation's first nuclear power plant.

Saudi Arabia, according to Prince Abdulaziz, is eager to launch a regional cooperation centre in collaboration with the IAEA to build human capacity in the areas of preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies as well as other regulatory aspects at the national, regional, and global levels. To combat nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, which necessitates the full implementation of Resolution No. 1995 to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region, the minister emphasised the importance of concerted international efforts to put the Non-Proliferation Treaty's provisions into practise.

The minister announced the Kingdom's support for the IAEA's 'Rays of Hope' programme, which aims to use nuclear methods to help save lives and alleviate the burden of cancer, with a contribution of $2.5 million. This programme consists of sustainability-based initiatives designed to increase the regulatory framework and support systems required for radiation safety.