U.S., Bahrain sign memorandum to pursue civil nuclear cooperation

U.S. and Bahraini officials signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue civil nuclear cooperation, emphasizing energy security, nonproliferation and the use of small modular reactor technology.

Anne Gangelier, principal deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, opened the ceremony and said the US–Bahrain Nuclear Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, or NCMOU, "represents an important step towards deepening a robust civil nuclear partnership between The United States and Bahrain." She noted it builds on US work to support "the responsible use of small modular reactor technology, or FIRST program."

The NCMOU is a nonbinding agreement to explore cooperation rather than a treaty or licensing decision; officials from both countries described it as a first step toward bilateral work on civil nuclear energy. Secretary Rubio said the memorandum "serves as the first step towards a diverse civil nuclear cooperation," and framed the agreement as consistent with U.S. support for partners that pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. He added that U.S. private-sector technology is a model the United States hopes to share with partners.

Foreign Minister Al Zayani, speaking for the Kingdom of Bahrain, said the memorandum "further advances" the two countries' shared commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology and "reinforces our two countries' determination to prevent the proliferation of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction." He described the cooperation as a contributor to regional security and said Bahrain values access to "U.S. world leading technology and expertise."

Speakers linked the memorandum to broader bilateral ties. Secretary Rubio cited existing cooperation including a free trade agreement and the U.S. Fifth Fleet, and referenced the Abraham Accords as part of the regional context for deeper cooperation. Gangelier referenced "four executive orders our president signed this past May" as context for U.S. priorities on civil nuclear energy.

Officials said work remains to implement the memorandum and that signing does not itself authorize construction, licensing or transfers of nuclear materials; they described the signing as a ceremonial first step and said follow-up implementation will require further technical, regulatory and commercial work. Gangelier and Al Zayani both said they look forward to working to implement the memorandum's provisions so both countries can "fully benefit from its potential and opportunities in the years ahead."

During a brief question-and-answer period after the signing, an unidentified reporter asked whether Secretary Rubio had comment on early strikes in Syria that morning. Rubio said officials were "very concerned" and that they were "talking to both sides, all the relevant sides" and hoped to have updates later; he said, "We want the fighting to stop," but provided no policy actions tied to the NCMOU at the ceremony's close.

The ceremony concluded with the officials signing the NCMOU; speakers said they planned to meet later in the day for additional discussions and a White House lunch with other leaders.

The memorandum and officials' comments focused on energy security, economic cooperation and nonproliferation; neither detailed technical or financing terms, and no regulatory approvals or legislative steps were announced at the signing.