Vienna, September 25, 2023, Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, addressed the 67th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. In his speech, he reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to a transparent and safe national atomic energy policy, highlighting the positive contributions of nuclear energy to energy security and the broader economy.
He emphasized the Kingdom's partnership with the IAEA in developing peaceful nuclear applications, including the Saudi National Atomic Energy Project and the construction of its first nuclear power plant. Saudi Arabia also expressed its intent to establish a regional cooperation center with the IAEA, focusing on preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies.
Prince Abdulaziz underlined the importance of international efforts to uphold the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the need to counter nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. He announced Saudi Arabia's support for the "Rays of Hope" Initiative launched by the IAEA, pledging $2.5 million to combat cancer using nuclear techniques.
The minister congratulated the IAEA and its member states on the forthcoming launch of the Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre, which the Kingdom initiated and funded. He hoped it would become a key resource for strengthening nuclear security capabilities.
Saudi Arabia commended the IAEA's role in non-proliferation, safeguards, and nuclear technology development, asserting its right to peaceful nuclear technology utilization, including the nuclear fuel cycle. The Kingdom called on the international community to actively cooperate in addressing non-peaceful uses of nuclear technologies while supporting the IAEA's mission to harness nuclear technology for humanity.
