During the 6th session of the Russian-Saudi Arabian intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific and technological cooperation, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak confirmed Russia's plans to develop active partnership with Saudi Arabia in the peaceful use of nuclear technologies and announced the opening of a Rusatom Overseas branch in Riyadh. JSC Rusatom Overseas is a company of Rosatom State Corporation responsible for promotion of the integrated offer for large and small capacity NPPs and Centers of Nuclear Science and Technologies (CNST) construction projects in the international market. "The opening of the Russian company's branch in Riyadh is a significant step in Russian-Saudi relations in the field of nuclear energy. Rosatom's presence in the Kingdom will ensure efficient interaction with Saudi state bodies and private-owned companies within the competitive dialogue for Saudi Arabia's first nuclear power plant project", said Alexander Novak. "We are working together with the Saudi side on a broad agenda that includes not only participation in the competitive procedure for large-capacity NPP construction project, but also an entire array of other promising areas. "We are discussing cooperation in building small and medium-sized reactors, fuel cycle, training of personnel for Saudi Arabia's national nuclear program and development of its nuclear infrastructure. "We place special focus on working with Saudi industrial enterprises and scientific and educational institutions, as the Russian side sees great potential for their engagement in the implementation of Saudi Arabia's nuclear energy program," added Evgeny Pakermanov, president of Rusatom Overseas. Since October 2017, Rosatom has actively participated in the competitive dialogue for construction of the first NPP in Saudi Arabia. Besides, in December 2017, Rosatom and King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE) signed a road map for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It includes a number of steps essential for implementing the cooperation program signed on Oct. 5, 2017 in Moscow during the historical visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to Russia. — SG
