OREANDA-NEWS. July 4, 2008. The entry into force of a formal U.S.-Russian civil nuclear cooperation agreement will improve the ability of Russia and the United States to operate together in furtherance of the objectives of their Joint Declaration on Nuclear Energy and Nonproliferation .

The statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation on the occasion of the first anniversary of the signing of the Joint Declaration on Nuclear Energy and Nonproliferation by presidents Vladimir Putin and George Bush (July 3 2007) says that Russia and the United States are determined to reach out to developing states in need of clean and reliable energy supplies with the promise of enhanced cooperation.

“Within this context, a number of States have made public statements of intent to rely on the international fuel market in lieu of developing indigenous enrichment and reprocessing technologies. Our countries are also promoting full implementation of NPT safeguards obligations, and adoption of international conventions on safety, security and liability.”

“On this occasion, the United States and the Russian Federation reaffirm our commitment to the responsible expansion of nuclear energy, and reiterate that this expansion must proceed in a manner that maximizes nuclear safety and security and minimizes proliferation risk,” says the statement.