UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice signed a bilateral agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation that enhances international standards of nuclear non-proliferation, safety and security. Known as a “123 Agreement,” after Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, the new pact establishes a required legal framework for commerce in civilian nuclear energy between the two countries. Under the terms of this agreement, the UAE will gain access to significant capabilities and experience in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This will allow the UAE to develop its civilian nuclear programme to the highest standards of safety, security and non proliferation. The agreement will also open opportunities for US firms to be active participants in the UAE nuclear energy programme. The 123 Agreement follows the April 2008 signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy between the two countries. The UAE released a detailed policy document on the evaluation and potential development of peaceful nuclear energy in April of last year.
NUCLEAR 123 AGREEMENT BETWEEN UAE, US
UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice signed a bilateral agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation that enhances international standards of nuclear non-proliferation,
