OREANDA-NEWS. On March 20, 2008 , the Director of JSC Atomenergorpom , Mr. Vladimir Travin , and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Toshiba Corporation , Mr. Atsutoshi Nishida , signed a framework agreement to explore cooperation in the civilian nuclear power business field.

Based on the a greement, the p arties will start feasibility studies to consider cooperation which includes designing and engineering to construct commercial nuclear power plants, manufacturing and maintenance of large equipment, and front-end civilian nuclear fuel cycle business. Complementary relations between the two companies could lead to the establishment of a strategic partnership. The agreement could also contribute to stable and secure supply of services in front-end civilian nuclear fuel cycle in Japan, the United States and elsewhere.

In signing this a greement , the p arties proceed from the fact that an important global task is the development and implementation of safe , clean and efficient production systems for nuclear power. Mutually complementary cooperation between Toshiba and Atomenergorpom will have a positive synergetic effect on making the global nuclear renaissance more foreseeable, assured and feasible.

The cooperation between the two c ompanies will be strictly limited to the peaceful use of nuclear power and will be undertaken within the current and future framework of cooperation between the two countries’ governments, as well as the international framework for peaceful use of nuclear power. If any technology exchange should occur in the future, it will be only conducted in accordance with international agreement and national legislations of relevant countries.

Speaking at the Agreement sign-up ceremony, Director General of the Rosatom State Corporation Mr. Sergey Kiryenko welcomed the ceremony participants and noted : “Today’s event symbolizes the start of a large-scale cooperation between two leading companies in Russia and Japan in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy. I feel assured that our cooperation will be dynamic, efficient and mutually beneficial. This cooperation will be beneficial not only to the employees of our companies, but also to users of products and services related to nuclear cycle throughout the world.”

In response, the Head of the Japanese Governmental Agency on Natural resources and Energy Mr.Harufumi M o chizuki said : “Sharing the same view as Mr. Kiryenko mentioned, I recognize the importance and great possibilities of the Japan-Russia cooperation in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy. In order to promote and contribute to the world peaceful use of nuclear energy in a manner ensuring non-proliferation, nuclear safety and security, it is highly important for both countries to have continuous policy dialogue.”