Vienna: Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia, delivered a comprehensive statement at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. The conference saw active participation from member states and various international organizations engaged in the nuclear energy sector.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Prince Abdulaziz expressed the Kingdom's appreciation for the IAEA's vital role in promoting nuclear energy's peaceful applications and maintaining nuclear safety and security standards. He acknowledged the growing global energy demand driven by economic and technological advancements, highlighting the importance of diversifying energy sources to support economic growth and ensure energy supply security.

The minister emphasized Saudi Arabia's established reputation as a reliable energy supplier and its ongoing efforts to develop a diverse and sustainable national energy mix. This initiative includes incorporating nuclear energy into the energy framework, aligning with the Kingdom's international commitments.

Prince Abdulaziz outlined Saudi Arabia's rich natural resources, including valuable minerals such as phosphate ores, gold, copper, and uranium. He discussed the Kingdom's strategy to maximize these resources' economic and industrial value, thereby enhancing global supply chains for essential minerals.

The minister highlighted the National Atomic Energy Project's progress in exploring uranium resources, particularly through collaborations like the partnership with the French company Orano. This collaboration has shown promising potential for uranium recovery from phosphate fertilizer operations.

Furthermore, Prince Abdulaziz detailed the exploration and geological studies at the Jabal Sayid project, which identified significant rare earth resources. The project, in collaboration with international partners, aims to develop capabilities for processing and separating rare earth elements and producing uranium.

The Kingdom's approach to utilizing its resources extends beyond extraction, focusing on building integrated economic and industrial value chains. This strategy includes exploration, mining, processing, and refining, aligning with international standards and obligations.

Prince Abdulaziz underscored the Kingdom's commitment to transparency and international cooperation in developing its peaceful nuclear program. He highlighted partnerships with countries like the United States, emphasizing the '123 Agreement' on nuclear energy cooperation.

The minister reiterated Saudi Arabia's dedication to strengthening its regulatory frameworks, enhancing nuclear safety and security, and fostering technical cooperation with international partners. He concluded by affirming the Kingdom's support for the IAEA and its commitment to contributing to a secure and sustainable future through constructive international collaboration.