U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry met with his Saudi counterpart Khalid Al Falih at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) headquarters in Washington, D.C. and discussed the possibility of civil nuclear technology collaboration, the DOE said Monday.
'During the meeting, the two energy leaders discussed a wide array of issues, including the potential for U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear engagement and new technologies such as Small Modular Reactors, the state of world oil markets and the status of joint efforts to share technologies to develop clean fossil fuels,' a press release read.
The statement recalled Perry's visit to Riyadh last year when the ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a framework for mutually beneficial cooperation in the area of clean fossil fuels and carbon management.
'This MOU outlines an alliance not only in supercritical carbon dioxide, but also in a range of clean fossil fuels and carbon management opportunities to increase energy production in an environmentally responsible way,' it said.
According to the statement, Perry highlighted the 'strong relationship' between the two countries, and the U.S. administration's commitment to maintaining that partnership as a 'key U.S. ally' in the Middle East.
Perry also stated the administration's interest in helping strengthen energy diversity in the region, therefore strengthening energy security and stability.
By Hale Turkes
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr