The US State Department announced Tuesday the United States and Philippines’ Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (or 123 Agreement) entered into force on July 2.
In a statement posted on its website, the US State Department said the agreement will enhance the both countries’ cooperation on clean energy and energy security and strengthen long-term bilateral diplomatic and economic relationships.
This followed the signing of the 123 Agreement between the Philippines and the US in November last year.
The 123 Agreement lays the legal framework for potential nuclear power projects with US providers.
It aims to facilitate Philippine-US cooperation in the safe and secure use of nuclear energy taking into full account the standards and safeguards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as in accordance with respective national laws, international agreements, and regulations.
“Energy security is an increasingly critical global challenge requiring deliberate collaborative efforts, and together our two countries can make a significant contribution to our shared clean energy goals,” it said.
The US State Department said nuclear energy can help achieve these vital global climate change and energy security targets, and the US looks forward to exploring new avenues of cooperation with the Philippines in civil nuclear energy and other clean energy initiatives.
“This Agreement builds on the nearly 80 years of peaceful nuclear cooperation between our nations and establishes a framework for continued U.S. civil nuclear trade with the Philippines. This Agreement is part of broader U.S. efforts to develop the Philippines’ civil nuclear sector,” it said.
It said creating a safe, secure, and modern sector requires a skilled workforce, robust regulations, and strong commercial partnerships.
“Our government is committed to working with the Philippines to advance each of these areas and we look forward to further building our partnership together,” it said.
The 123 Agreement will allow the transfer of information, nuclear material, equipment, and components directly between the Philippines and the US or through authorized persons to engage in transfer activities, which will support potential nuclear power projects with US providers.
The Agreement will likewise pave the way for streamlining the licensing requirements for the private sector with respect to investments on nuclear-related intangible transfers of technology (ITT).
The US State Department said civil nuclear cooperation agreements, also known as 123 Agreements, provide a legal framework for exports of nuclear material, equipment, and components from the United States to another country.
This agreement provides a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation with the Philippines based on a mutual commitment to nuclear non-proliferation. It will permit the transfer of nuclear material, equipment (including reactors), components, and information for nuclear research and civil nuclear energy production.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline US, Philippines nuclear cooperation agreement enters into force
