SINGAPORE, Aug 1 – Singapore and the United States (US) have signed a 30-year civil nuclear cooperation agreement, known as the 123 Agreement, which will facilitate the island republic’s access to detailed information on US nuclear energy technologies and expertise that are under export control.
The agreement, outlining a comprehensive framework to deepen peaceful nuclear cooperation based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation, was signed by US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan on Wednesday.
“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,” the two governments said in a joint statement.
The agreement must be reviewed by the US Congress before it can take effect, with implementation anticipated by the end of the year.
They said the 123 Agreement is a prerequisite for Singapore to collaborate with other countries that use nuclear energy technologies and designs containing components or intellectual property of US origin.
The US has 24 active 123 agreements, including Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, China, India, Japan, and South Korea.
