UAE and UK sign MoU on nuclear cooperation
16 May 2008
[WAM News Agency, 15 May] The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the UK have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The MoU was signed in Abu Dhabi by the UAE's minister of foreign trade, Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi and the UK's minister of state for trade and investment, Lord Digby Jones. The agreement establishes a framework through which the two countries may cooperate in the further development of the UAE's civilian nuclear infrastructure to enhance safety and support the efforts of the international community to prevent nuclear proliferation. It also covers training and other knowledge-sharing arrangements in various peaceful applications of nuclear energy, including the generation of electricity, nuclear medicine and agriculture. Lord Digby commented: "Over many years the UK has developed a wealth of expertise and experience on civil nuclear business, on which the UAE will be most welcome to draw; and I hope that we can learn from each other as we develop our respective civil nuclear programmes." The UAE has already signed similar cooperation agreements with France and the USA.