UAE signs deal with Japan for peaceful nuclear power

Abu Dhabi: The UAE has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Japan for exploring possibilities of developing peaceful nuclear energy.

The cooperation agreement was signed by Saif Sultan Al Aryani, the UAE Foreign Minister's undersecretary, and Takamori Yoshikawa, Japan's senior vice-minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

The memorandum is to take into consideration all safety measures, security and nuclear non-proliferation aspects.

Al Aryani said in a statement, after signing the memorandum, that the UAE was keen on cooperating in the field of peaceful atomic energy with highly responsible countries in this regard.

He also pointed out the long history of cooperation between the UAE and Japan and this field.

Yoshikawa said his country had worked on and developed nuclear energy for more than 40 years. It currently owns no less than 55 commercial nuclear reactors.

The Japanese vice-minister also said the cooperation with the UAE in this field would benefit both the countries.

The memorandum of cooperation included steps towards preparing and planning a peaceful nuclear programme, while managing the bases of atomic non-proliferation, safety and nuclear radiation protection and handling nuclear hazard emergencies.

The memorandum included all aspects of training human resources, social awareness and the relevant infrastructure.

The cooperation document also comprised exchange visits between the two countries, seminars, workshops, technical and services assistance.

The UAE signed the memo with Japan after signing a series of similar agreements with the UK, US and France.

In April 2008, the UAE had published a document for evaluating and developing peaceful nuclear energy for civilian usages, emphasising the UAE's transparent policies and abiding by all related safety and security measures.

This document was prepared after long and patient studies that underlined the dire and increasing need for electricity in the UAE, with nuclear power generation offering a viable solution.