Foreign Minister Rubio Assures New US-Saudi Nuclear Program Is Supported by Security Measures

JAKARTA - The agreement that has just been approved by the US-Saudi Arabia for the development of a civilian nuclear reactor has raised concerns. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the US-backed deal would be equipped with security measures.

"When countries decide to run peaceful civilian nuclear programs, we prefer them to do it with us than with other countries. This allows us to influence the direction of its development," Rubio told reporters on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Manila, reported by CNN, Thursday, July 23.

Rubio stressed that Riyadh is a strategic partner and the deal makes sense.

"The point is, any agreement we make with any country in the world regarding civilian nuclear energy will certainly include security measures to ensure that the program is not diverted into a weapons program; and one of the best security measures is to ensure that American technology and companies are involved in its implementation," said the US Secretary of State.

The deal approved by President Donald Trump on Wednesday will then be submitted to Congress for review.

As previously reported, US President Donald Trump has approved an agreement with Saudi Arabia to develop the kingdom's nuclear infrastructure in the Gulf region.

The deal has the potential to pave the way for uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials.

The agreement, which is valid for 30 years, is estimated to be worth tens of billions of US dollars.

The agreement will require United States companies to build uranium enrichment facilities in Saudi Arabia if both sides assess the move is necessary.

A number of officials expressed concern that the agreement did not contain adequate security guarantees for the United States.