The Jordan Atomic Energy
Commission and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry have
signed a memorandum of cooperation in nuclear energy. Under the agreement,
Japan will assist the Middle Eastern country with its introduction of
nuclear energy.
Director General of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Toru
Ishida and Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation
Suhair Al-Ali signed the accord in Tokyo during a recent visit by Jordan's
King Abdullah II.
Under the five-year agreement,
which can be extended for a further five years, Japan will provide assistance
to Jordan to facilitate the introduction of nuclear power in the country,
ensuring safety and nuclear non-proliferation.
The scope of the cooperation will include the preparation of a nuclear
power development plan and help with the necessary infrastructure. Japan
will also provide training related to nuclear power and technology,
as well as human resource development. It will also advise Jordan on
nuclear safety and security. The two countries will also cooperate in
the identification of uranium resources.
The Jordanian energy minister has said that the country, which has virtually
no oil or gas resources, expects to have a nuclear power plant operating
by 2017, for electricity and desalination. Jordan's Committee for Nuclear
Strategy has set out a program for nuclear power to provide 30 percent
of electricity by 2030 or 2040, and to provide for exports.
Jordan has already signed nuclear cooperation agreements with the USA,
Canada, France and UK, in respect to both power and desalination, and
is seeking help from the IAEA. It has signed a nuclear cooperation agreement
with China, covering uranium mining in Jordan and nuclear power, and
another with South Korea related to infrastructure including nuclear
power and desalination. It has also signed a preliminary cooperation
agreement with Russia.