US, Singapore sign civil nuclear cooperation pact

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – The US and Singapore on Wednesday signed a civil nuclear agreement known as the “123 Agreement” to strengthen cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The agreement was signed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan in Singapore.

"This agreement builds on the long-standing civil nuclear collaboration between (the) United States and Singapore and outlines a comprehensive framework to deepen peaceful nuclear cooperation based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation," said an official statement issued by Singapore.

"Upon entry into force, the agreement will enable deeper nuclear cooperation, consistent with the highest international standards of safety, security, and nonproliferation, and build on our strong bilateral partnership," it said.

The agreement will last 30 years and will facilitate Singapore’s access to detailed information on US nuclear energy technologies and expertise that are under export control.

However, it will need to be reviewed by the US Congress before it can go into effect, which is expected by the end of 2024, the statement added.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid