Saudi Arabia, Russia sign nuclear power cooperation deal

[IR-TR]

Here is an quite detailed wiki article about Swiss nuclear weapon program but only in German, though it shouldnt be very hard for you to understand it.

Schweizer Kernwaffenprogramm – Wikipedia


Yeah, those Swiss, neutral but armed to teeth, it might even be a nuclear power today if it wasnt the only real democracy in the world.

BTW: i have visited a Nuclear plant here, i was even in one of those cooling towers, very interesting.

Nice very nice! I'm going to go a bit off topic, but perhaps you might be interested.

Switzerland is my second most visited country in my life, after Turkey. My mother went there to work as a nurse anesthetist after she left Turkey during 1969/1970. She worked there for about 18 years, speaks fluent French and not so bad German, and has the Swiss nationality. Which is why I also have it Thing is, I have to figure out what to do with the mandatory service, as I'm already 26 years old and finished university. I wouldn't want to lose the nationality. Anyway, my cousin has of course finished (and still has to go) into service, and of course has his big SIG 550 (551/553?) in his closet. I've held it a few times since I was a younger kid, LOVE it. Sadly it's impossible to shoot as you know, with the sealed box of bullets. Gotta love em, every able bodied male has a gigantic assault rifle at home, bullets et all, and yet almost never do you see a mass shooting etc. Switzerland, the prototype society, straight from a laboratory somewhere on a planet called Helvetia I miss Switzerland, I hope to visit during late 2015. Even if just a few days to say hello to everybody and climb some mountains (with a car of course).

Almost forgot: when I was a young teenager, until about age 14-15, I went to a yearly summer 'Swiss camp', a two week camp for expat swiss youngsters. Well, I wasn't really an expat, but I had the nationality. One time, we stayed a night in a nuclear bunker, I believe somewhere in the vicinity of Neuchatel, but I forgot. Bunk beds with gigantic thick concrete walls all around, very cold. And believe it or not, we also had a 'meeting' with then president or whatever it's called. Even signed my under arm. I thought that was so awesome, but nobody else really cared. Not much of a 'cult personality' hanging around Swiss presidents I reckon. Leuernberger? Leurinberger? Something like that. Awesome anyway.

 

[Saif al-Arab]

Why are Saudi Arabians in Russia?
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MOHAMMED FAHAD AL-HARTHI

Published — Wednesday 24 June 2015

Last update 24 June 2015 12:33 am

In the Russian city of St. Petersburg, Saudi Arabia had a strong presence last week. The importance of the economic conference — held in the presence of hundreds of international officials and businessmen — did not overshadow the visit of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His visit, along with a high level delegation and a group of Saudi businessmen, was well-received by both Russian officials and the Russian media.
Saudi Arabia is raising the level of its political action and putting its interests firmly on the table. It was no surprise that Saudi Arabia is directing its interest toward Russia. The cold relations of the past years needed a push to encourage warmer dealings and an improved relationship. The phone call between Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and President Vladimir Putin on April 20 indicated that warmth had returned to the relations between the two countries.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman was frank in his long meeting with Putin. He focused on strengthening relations between the two countries as a means of building a strategic connection that serves the interests of both countries and strives for common political positions on regional issues. This indicates the Saudi leadership’s keenness on opening up to the world by building common interests and bridging gaps between the East and the West which reflect evolved political thought and diplomacy.
The world is now using the language of interests. The land of the Two Holy Mosques has huge resources and is recognized worldwide as a leading player in the region. In using its power and authority, Saudi Arabia understands the language of shared interests — otherwise known as politics. The Kingdom has gained the world’s trust and respect.
Many Russian journalists we met during the visit to St. Petersburg asked about the recent changes in Saudi Arabia. In the first four months of his reign, King Salman created a rare international alliance to support legitimacy in Yemen. The alliance had political support all over the world. At the same time, Saudi Arabia is opening up politically and its voice is being heard in the world’s capitals.
The reason is that Saudi Arabia deals with problems with a realistic view and recognizes the art of possibilities, knowing that interests bring people together. The Kingdom knows that economy can determine politics. This pragmatic approach makes the political rhythm faster and more influential.
This practice, based on political thought to attain the highest national interests, benefits the state and its citizens through establishing solid international relations, creating balance and building extensive strategic partnerships in politics, economics and other developmental fields.
This is the primary goal of politics and not as other states see it. Politics should not be a means of exhibitionism and expansionism, wasting the lives of their citizens in proxy wars while their people suffer from poverty and oppression. Saudi Arabia is clear in this area. Politics is for the benefit of citizens. This is why Prince Mohammed bin Salman was accompanied by a delegation of ministers who signed important agreements in the fields of manufacturing, housing, agriculture, energy, space sciences and investment.
Although the agreement for the participation of Russian technology in building 16 nuclear reactors for peaceful purposes attracted much media attention, other important agreements will pave the way for unprecedented Saudi-Russian cooperation, described by Yury Ushakov, Putin’s top foreign policy aide. Russia, facing an economic boycott from the West, is keen to build bridges with important countries and forge strong economic partnerships.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit was successful by all standards; he earned the respect of the Russians by his presence and transparent dialogue. He assured the Russians that Saudi Arabia is serious about developing the relationship with Russia and serving the people of both countries. The philosophy of Saudi policy as seen by Prince Mohammed bin Salman is that positive relations and mutual interests give politics a momentum and create convergence. He believes that a positive relationship with one party doesn’t necessarily come at the expense of another party.
He describes the United States as a strong ally and a longterm friend but he also sees cooperation with Russia as a relationship with a huge unrealized potential. Thus, many anticipate a qualitative leap in relations between the two countries.

Why are Saudis in Russia? | Arab News