Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani have signed a nuclear cooperation memorandum of understanding (NCMOU), marking a significant step in civil nuclear energy collaboration between the two nations.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the signing ceremony saw Secretary Rubio emphasizing that this document represents the initial step towards deeper civil nuclear cooperation, highlighting the US's readiness to partner with nations pursuing non-weaponized civil nuclear programs. Rubio underscored the strength of the US-Bahrain partnership, citing existing agreements such as the free trade agreement, the presence of the US Fifth Fleet, the Abraham Accords, and the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement, now joined by the United Kingdom.
He noted the importance of energy in various industries and expressed optimism about the collaboration between US and Bahraini entities to build civil nuclear capacity. Rubio praised US private sector technology as world-leading in assisting allies like Bahrain in achieving their energy goals.
Ann K. Ganzer, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, highlighted the priority of developing civil nuclear energy both domestically and internationally for the United States. She pointed out that the NCMOU is a critical step in strengthening the civil nuclear partnership between the US and Bahrain, building on existing collaborations like the FIRST program. Ganzer emphasized that the agreement would enhance energy security, promote economic cooperation, and uphold high standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation.