U.S., South Korea sign civil nuclear agreement

Continuing a history of cooperation on civil uses for nuclear technology, U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se signed an agreement on Monday that stands to strengthen the countries’ energy bonds, the National Nuclear Security Administraton said.

Called the United States - Republic of Korea Agreement for Civil Nuclear Cooperation, known as the 123 Agreement in the U.S., the agreement will further the relationship between two of the world’s leaders in civil nuclear energy.

The agreement with Korea is in line with all 123 Agreements in its nonproliferation and nuclear security measures. It also addresses issues faced by both nations that include assuring a nuclear fuel supply and disposing of spent nuclear fuel. These issues will be addressed by a new High-Level Bilateral Commission between the United States and Republic of Korea, which will allow the nations to advance their mutual goals.

“The agreement would allow the United States and the Republic of Korea to continue peaceful nuclear cooperation, enable expanded cooperation between our respective nuclear industries and reaffirm our two governments’ shared commitment to nonproliferation” Moniz said.