The memorandum was signed by His Excellency Saif Sultan AI Aryani, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Senior Vice Minister Takamori Yoshikawa, of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, in Abu Dhabi.
"As we evaluate a peaceful civil nuclear power program in the United Arab Emirates, one of our fundamental principles is that we will work with responsible nations that are experts in the field," said Mr. Al Aryani.
"We are pleased that today’s memorandum of cooperation means that we will be able to work closely with Japan, which has a long and successful history in nuclear power." "For more than 40 years Japan has been promoting nuclear energy, and currently we operate 55 commercial nuclear reactors," Mr. Yoshikawa said.
"Our country has built a wealth of experience and developed cutting-edge technology, and we look forward to sharing that experience with the United Arab Emirates, and deepening our cooperation in the future." The memorandum will help to facilitate work in the following areas: –
The preparation and planning for a potential nuclear power program while promoting the highest standards of nuclear non-proliferation. Safety and security – Nuclear security and physical protection – Nuclear safety, radiation protection and emergency response – Training, infrastructure and human resources development – Public awareness and education It is anticipated that work covered under the agreement will involve the exchange of personnel and training opportunities, the organizing of seminars and workshops, and the provision of technical assistance and services.
The signing of the cooperation memorandum with Japan follows a series of memorandum and bilateral agreements with other governments including UK, US and France.
Present at the signing were Japan Ambassador to the UAE, Mr. Hatano, and Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, special representative for international nuclear cooperation and UAE Permanent representative to the lAEA.
The UAE released a detailed policy document on the evaluation and potential development of peaceful nuclear energy in April of 2008. The UAE policy is based on the principles of complete operational transparency and the highest standards of safety, security and non-proliferation.
The policy was developed following a study that projected massive increases in demand for electricity in the coming decades. The study determined that nuclear energy is a viable and compelling option for meeting future electricity demand.
