Dhaka: Bangladesh and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on strategic civil nuclear cooperation to deepen cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The MoU was signed in New York on Friday by Bangladesh Prime Minister's Adviser for Science and Technology Rehan Asad and US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jacob Helberg, according to Bangladesh's ruling party BNP's media cell.
The agreement comes as Bangladesh seeks to expand and diversify its long-term energy sources. The country is developing its first nuclear power plant at Rooppur and has been pursuing international cooperation in nuclear science and technology.
Under the MoU, the two sides recognised the strategic significance of their diplomatic relationship and its regional and international security implications, including energy security. They also noted the role nuclear energy can play in meeting the energy requirements of both countries, according to local media reports.
The MoU records the shared position that all civil nuclear cooperation should follow the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, safeguards and non-proliferation, according to The Daily Star newspaper.
It also noted that both Bangladesh and the US have International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards agreements and Additional Protocols in force. Both countries are parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Bangladesh and the US had also signed an MoU on strategic cooperation in the broader energy sector in May, aimed at strengthening Bangladesh's long-term energy security through diversified energy sourcing.
The latest MoU specifically focuses on civil nuclear cooperation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
