Japan, VN sign nuclear cooperation agreement

Vietnam and Japan will cooperate in developing and using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under an agreement signed in Hanoi on January 20.

The agreement will cover such fields as radioactive isotope and radiation research; light water reactor design and operation; nuclear safety and security; radioactive waste storage, transport and treatment; human resource development; and legal frameworks for the peaceful nuclear energy sector as well as uranium exploration and exploitation.

Addressing the signing ceremony, signatories Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Dinh Tien and Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yasuaki Tanizaki said the signing of the agreement opens a new page in civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries.

After being ratified and taken into effect, the agreement is expected to create a necessary legal framework and favourable conditions for Japan and Vietnam’s agencies, science and technology organisations, education and training establishments and businesses relating to nuclear energy to proceed with this major project./.

(VNA)