In a significant move to bolster energy security and international collaboration, the US and Singapore have agreed to collaborate on civil nuclear issues.
The United States Department of Energy and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade & Industry inked an agreement on Wednesday to collaborate on a civil level, emphasizing non-proliferation and the development of zero-carbon energy solutions.
The agreement is called Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation.
The NCMOU was signed by US Ambassador to Singapore Jonathan Kaplan and Permanent Secretary of Singapore’s Ministry of Trade & Industry Beh Swan Gin.
Building on foundations
The agreement builds on the Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, which came into effect on last month. The foundational agreement underscores a mutual commitment to maintaining “the highest international standards of civil nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation,” the US Embassy in Singapore said in a statement on Wednesday.
This partnership reflects the robust and multifaceted relationship between the US and Singapore, which spans economic, defense, security, and cultural domains. Through the NCMOU, both nations aim to advance energy security and promote the use of zero-carbon baseload power, aligning with their shared climate goals and global sustainability efforts.
In addition to its environmental significance, the agreement establishes a framework for collaboration among key stakeholders in both countries.
“The NCMOU is expected to strengthen and expand strategic ties between the United States and Singapore by providing a framework for cooperation and a mutually aligned approach to non-proliferation on civil nuclear issues and for engagement between experts from government, industry, national laboratories and academic institutions,” the US Embassy in Singapore said.
The agreement is expected to drive innovation in nuclear technology while ensuring strict adherence to non-proliferation standards.
The US and Singapore have strengthened their diplomatic and economic partnership with this agreement, demonstrating a shared commitment to developing more sustainable energy sources.
US sights on nuclear partnerships
Earlier this month, South Korea and the US signed a similar agreement concerning nuclear exports and cooperation. The agreement provided a framework to support the peaceful use of nuclear energy, foster collaboration in third countries, and address emerging technologies.