Ammon News - AMMONNEWS -Jordan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday signed a nuclear energy cooperation agreement (NCA) in the field of use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

The deal was signed by Chairman of the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission Khaled Touqan and President of the Saudi King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, Hashim Yamani.

The agreement entails cooperation between the two countries in various fields of nuclear energy, mainly in conducting basic and applied peaceful research related to nuclear energy and technologies, design, construction and operation, power plants and nuclear reactors.

It also includes cooperation in research and exploration for raw materials, mining and management of radioactive waste and the exploitation of associated minerals.

According to terms of the deal, the two countries shall cooperate in the field of innovative new generations of nuclear reactors technologies for nuclear safeguards, control of nuclear materials as well as the preparation of legislation and laws in the area of nuclear safety and radiation protection, environmental protection as well as the preparation of human resources.

Touqan said in a statement that the signing of this agreement constitutes a new milestone in the relations and cooperation between the two countries which will mull more of the Arab and international support for Jordan's peaceful nuclear program which will, in turn, contribute to supporting the program's components, related technical training and research.

Yamani highlighted the importance of the agreement in achieving mutual benefits with regard to information and expertise available to both parties, joint synchronous coordination between the two countries' nuclear regulatory bodies, energy planning institutions and educational entities.

The agreement will ensure transparency in the licensing and operation of nuclear facilities in the border area for peaceful use of nuclear energy, in addition to contributing towards achieving sustainability and sound development of human resources.

The Kingdom currently has nuclear cooperation agreements with thirteen countries including Saudi Arabia, France, Canada, Britain, Russia, China, South Korea, Spain, Argentina, Japan, Romania, Italy and Turkey, which cover various aspects of nuclear work.

* Petra