USA and Turkey in nuclear cooperation deal

The USA and Turkey have entered an agreement for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The agreement was originally signed on 26 July 2000. In a statement, the US Department of State said that the agreement provides "a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation between the United States and Turkey under agreed non-proliferation conditions and controls. It establishes firm foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation in the important field of peaceful nuclear energy consistent with non-proliferation principles." It added that the agreement will initially run for 15 years, but could be automatically renewed every five years unless either country decides to terminate it. The State Department noted that the agreement "opens opportunities for US and Turkish industries by permitting the transfer between the two countries of technology, material, reactors, and components for nuclear research and nuclear power production." The agreement will be submitted to the US Congress for approval.