The United States and Russia pledged on Tuesday to expand
nuclear energy cooperation and make nuclear energy available to
developing countries.
"We are determined to play an active role in making the
advantages of the peaceful use of nuclear energy available to a
wide range of interested states, in particular developing
countries, provided the common goal of prevention of proliferation
of nuclear weapons is achieved," the White House said in a joint
statement.
The statement was issued after US President George W. Bush's
summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Bush family
compound in Maine on Sunday and Monday.
The United States and Russia will help secure financing,
including through international institutions, for new nuclear
plants and help states develop necessary regulations, safety
standards and training programs, the statement said.
While agreeing to help other states get the benefit of safe
nuclear energy, the two countries also stressed to continue
controlling the spread of technology that allows them to make the
material needed for nuclear weapons.
In addition, they also promised to develop solutions to deal
with the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste.
(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2007)
