The agreement between the United States and the Philippines on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy officially took effect on July 2, the US State Department announced on Tuesday.
This landmark deal, known as the “123 agreement,” was finalized in November 2023. It provides the legal framework for the US to export nuclear technology to the Philippines, promoting sustainable and clean energy in the country.
The US State Department emphasized that the agreement will bolster cooperation between the two nations on clean energy and energy security.
“Energy security is an increasingly critical global challenge requiring deliberate collaborative efforts, and together our two countries can make a significant contribution to our shared clean energy goals,” the department stated.
Highlighting the importance of nuclear energy in achieving global climate change and energy security targets, the department expressed eagerness to explore new cooperation opportunities with the Philippines in civil nuclear energy and other clean energy initiatives.
The agreement builds on nearly 80 years of peaceful nuclear cooperation between the two countries, establishing a framework for continued US civil nuclear trade with the Philippines. This move is part of broader US efforts to develop the Philippines’ nuclear sector.
