Understanding UAE-US 123 agreement for Peaceful Civilian Nuclear Energy Cooperation

Back in 2008, the governments of the UAE and the US completed negotiations on the proposed text for a bilateral cooperation agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The ‘123 agreement’ facilitated the transfer of nuclear-related components and materials.

HE Yousef al-Otaiba, UAE ambassador to the US, noted at the time “The agreement highlights the transparency of the civilian nuclear energy programme the UAE is embarking on and should be lauded as the gold standard of nuclear cooperation agreements.”

UAE’s agreement to forgo domestic uranium enrichment

The UAE-US 123 agreement for Peaceful Civilian Nuclear Energy Cooperation entered into force on December 17, 2009, and enables the UAE to receive nuclear-related information, materials and equipment from the US.

In response to the landmark agreement, the UAE committed to forgo domestic uranium enrichment and reprocessing of spent fuel, and sign the International Atomic Energy Agency’s additional protocol that institutes more strict inspections on nuclear activities.

The UAE’s agreement to forgo enrichment and reprocessing is prominent as the non-proliferation “gold standard” for nuclear cooperation agreements, as the signatory renounces the sensitive technology that could also be used to produce ammunition.

UAE, US agree to peaceful civilian nuclear energy cooperation

In January 2009, the US Secretary of State and the UAE Foreign Minister first signed a proposed deal on peaceful nuclear cooperation at the close of the Bush administration. Both countries reopened the text for negotiation once the Obama administration took office.

In May of the same year, both sides signed a fresh version of the agreement. On the same day, the Obama administration submitted the proposal to the US Congress. In October, the UAE cabinet gave approval to the deal. It entered into force on December 17.

UAE-US bilateral partnerships helping build a better future

The UAE and the US are close friends and strong allies. Both countries have common interests and values, and are committed to creating economic prosperity, promoting regional security and addressing pressing global challenges.

From climate action and healthcare to security and trade, the UAE-US bilateral partnerships are helping build a better future for peoples in both countries. Both sides share a future-oriented vision based on inclusion, diversity, educational advancement, and arts and culture.

The UAE and the US are thoroughly committed to preserving security and stability in the Middle East and beyond. Both countries are also strongly partnering to stop the passage of funds and foreign fighters to terrorist groups and counter extremist ideologies.