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.
