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17-11-2023 (MANILA) The United States and the Philippines have signed a groundbreaking agreement on the transfer of nuclear materials and cooperation.
According to Reuters, the Philippines is exploring the development of nuclear power to decarbonize and promote energy independence. Under the agreement signed on Thursday (November 16), the United States will be able to export nuclear technology and materials to the Philippines.
During the signing ceremony at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken stated, “The Philippines is committed to developing small modular reactors and other civilian nuclear infrastructure, and the United States will be able to share equipment and materials in this regard.”
Negotiations for the agreement, known as the “Philippines 123 Agreement,” began in November 2022.
President Marcos of the Philippines mentioned in a speech, “We anticipate that by 2032, nuclear energy will be part of the Philippines’ energy mix, and we are delighted to tread this path together with the United States.” He added, “Nuclear energy is one of the areas where we showcase how the Philippines-U.S. alliance and partnership can be effective.” The U.S.-Philippines agreement still requires approval from the U.S. Congress to allow the peaceful transfer of nuclear materials, equipment, and information while adhering to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
As of the end of 2022, the United States had completed 23 agreements covering 47 countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Taiwan.
