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 Signing this accord marks an important step in the trusted partnership between Vietnam and the United States in using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes for many years, and opens up a great prospect for both parties to promote specific cooperation projects in research, development and application of nuclear energy, particularly the development of nuclear power for social-economic development in each country.
Signing this accord also makes a milestone in the development of the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and US which was recently established last July.
Vietnam has long been consistently pursuing the policy of developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Basically, Vietnam has signed all international treaties related to nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation, which was appreciated by the international community. In particular, Vietnam has recently completed the fuel conversion of Dalat research reactor from high enriched uranium (HEU) to low enriched uranium (LEU), ratified the Additional Protocol and joined the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials and the amendment. This fact confirmed that Vietnam is a responsible member of the international community in the field of using atomic energy for peaceful purposes.
With the huge potential of applications of nuclear energy for social-economic development, in 2006, the Prime Minister approved the Strategy for application of atomic energy for peaceful purposes. In 2009, the National Assembly approved the construction policy of nuclear power plants in Ninh Thuan Province and now, Vietnam is working with the Russian and Japanese partners to deploy Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power projects. Vietnam has signed governmental cooperation agreements with seven countries to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
U.S. is one of leading nations in the world in the field of atomic energy. Much of the technology of commercialized nuclear power plants (PWR, BWR) in the world today are originated from the U.S. So, the signing of this Agreement will facilitate Vietnam to reach the modern technology of the United States in this field, while facilitating the U.S. business to cooperate, invest into Vietnam market for the benefit of both parties.
Before signing this agreement, the negotiation delegations of Vietnam and U.S. have been making great efforts over the years, sharing their views on sensitive issues to reach a consensus on the spirit of understanding, equality and mutually benefit. The signing of the 123 Agreement performs the determination of the two governments in strengthening civil nuclear cooperation for peace and prosperity of each country. |