By Mahmut Geldi,

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers has approved the launch of a national nuclear program, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.

According to the SPA, the council — chaired by King Salman bin Abdulaziz — stressed that the proposed nuclear program would be devoted exclusively to “peaceful purposes” and overseen by international regulatory bodies.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih announced plans earlier to sign agreements for the construction of two nuclear power stations next year.

—AA