Vienna: The Saudi energy minister announced that the national nuclear energy project is progressing as planned, emphasizing its crucial role in Saudi Arabia's energy strategy. Speaking at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud highlighted the growing global energy demand driven by economic, technological, and industrial advancements.

According to Anadolu Agency, Prince Abdulaziz emphasized the importance of diversifying energy sources to support economic growth and ensure energy security. He noted that Saudi Arabia continues to cement its position as a reliable energy provider while investing in various sectors, including energy and minerals. The Kingdom is committed to developing a comprehensive national energy mix, incorporating nuclear energy to optimize resource utilization.

Prince Abdulaziz assured that Saudi Arabia's nuclear program is not isolated from international efforts and is being developed with full transparency and regulatory compliance. He reiterated that the nuclear initiative aligns with the Kingdom's international obligations and is built on transparency and adherence to global standards.

Furthermore, the energy minister highlighted Saudi Arabia's commitment to collaborating with international partners and the IAEA. He also pointed to the Kingdom's mineral wealth, including the ongoing uranium exploration and extraction efforts, which are integral to the country's economic goals.

Prince Abdulaziz revealed that Saudi Arabia has identified 110 million tons of raw materials with uranium concentrations in the Medina region, underlining the Kingdom's potential in securing mineral supply chains and advancing rare earth discoveries. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is recognized as the world's second-largest exporter of phosphate fertilizers, showcasing its significant role in the global market.