UAE, US complete talks on nuclear energy accord

The Governments of the UAE and the US have completed negotiations on the proposed text for a bilateral co-operation agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, a UAE Foreign Ministry source said.

This '123 Agreement' would allow for the transfer of nuclear-related components and materials between the two countries.

"As is normal in these matters, representatives of the US Administration and the UAE Government are working closely with members of congress to inform them about the agreement and seek their views," Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US, said. "We are confident that the agreement highlights the transparency of the civilian nuclear energy programme the UAE is embarking on."

"It is the view of the UAE government that the proposed agreement sets a new standard in ensuring the highest level of safety, security and non-proliferation within the UAE programme," he said.