Add the US to the list of nations helping Vietnam secure a nuclear future. The country joins Japan, Russia and South Korea as advisers and suppliers for Vietnam's planned nuclear power plants.
The agreement, signed off on by American Secretary of State, John Kerry and Vietnamese Prime Minister, Nguyen Tan Dung ealier today will allow for the transfer of both nuclear technology and nuclear fuel for civilian purposes.
"This agreement will create numerous opportunities for our businesses...Obviously our nuclear cooperation is quite significant," said Kerry.
Referred to as the 123 Agreement, it provides a legal basis for nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
To address nuclear security issues, Vietnam has agreed to abide by tight standards and promise not to enrich its uranium, a step towards weaponizing the technology.
The US will also have full control of the uranium and nuclear technology provided to Hanoi.
There are a number of hurtles to overcome before the agreement goes into effect. First, the deal must be approved by the US Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission, then President Obama and finally the US Congress.
In 2010, Vietnam identified nuclear power as the foundation for the country’s future power system with 8 plants scheduled for completion by 2025.
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[BBC]
