OREANDA-NEWS. December 12, 2011.  ROSATOM evaluates the ratification of the Agreement between Russia and Japan concerning the cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy as an important event. The Agreement is of a framework nature but it is of great significance for broadening the practical cooperation. In particular, it opens the way for direct deliveries of enriched uranium product to Japan without involvement of third countries as it has used to be until present.

The importance of the Agreement is highlighted by the fact that it was presented to the Parliament personally by Japan’s Prime Minister Yosihiko Noda.

Having come into force, the Agreement will serve as an additional stimulus for broadening both the existing areas of the cooperation (deliveries of the Russian enriched uranium as hexafluoride for further re-conversion in Japan) and development of new areas, for instance, deliveries of advanced processing stages products, such as uranium dioxide.

On the whole, the bilateral agreement on the cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy is aimed at creating new opportunities for producers in Russia and Japan. In this country, it means a perspective of broadening the business of ROSATOM’s companies, such as Techsnabexport, NIAEP, Atomenergomash, Uranium Holding ARMZ and other. Political constraints are lifted and now the two countries can start implementing specific mutually beneficial projects.

Also, attention has to be paid to the fact that the Japanese Parliament has ratified several similar agreements at one time, including that with South Korea, Jordan, and Vietnam. This is clear evidence that the Japanese Government confirms its course towards the peaceful use of atomic energy, in spite of the tragic events of March 2011.

The lower house of the Japanese Parliament ratified the agreement of peaceful atom with Russia on December 6.

Russia and Japan signed the agreement on the cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy in 2009, and the Russian Parliament ratified it in the end of 2010.

The Agreement will allow Russia and Japan to cooperate in such areas as construction of nuclear power plants, enriched uranium production, and fuel fabrication.