Saudi Arabia and Russia intend to develop cooperation in nuclear technologies that could be used in medicine, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on 15 August. In June 2015, the two countries signed an agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology. The deal creates a legal framework for cooperation in nuclear energy. It envisages cooperation in the construction and operation of reactors, nuclear fuel cycle services and staff education and training. "This is a fundamental document opening doors for cooperation between two countries in various application spheres of civilian nuclear technologies,” Novak said.
He told Arab newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat that Russia welcomes the Saudi decision to develop civilian nuclear technologies as part of the kingdom’s development strategy by 2030."We support the Saudi Arabian initiative aimed at use of civilian nuclear power sector. Ambitions of the Saudi government speak for themselves: the kingdom plans to build sixteen nuclear reactors in 25 years. They will produce 20% of required electric power," Novak said.
Russia is interested in joint implementation of this plan, he added. Saudi Arabia has no nuclear power infrastructure and this makes the project challenging but Russia has rich experience in developing such a base, Novak said.
