US President Barack Obama on May 21 approved a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The deal, the ‘123 Agreement’ was initially negotiated by the Bush administration and was later amended slightly by the new government. The bill has now been sent to the US Congress for approval.

Foreign Minister of UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stated that under the terms of the agreement, the UAE “will gain access to significant capabilities and experience in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This will allow the UAE to develop its civilian nuclear programme to the highest standards of safety, security and non proliferation. The agreement will also open opportunities for US firms to be active participants in the UAE nuclear energy programme1.”

On its part, the UAE has assured that it does not intend to develop its own enrichment and reprocessing capability and has pledged to work closely with the IAEA and to follow its recommendations. The US State Department, in a statement noted that the Agreement “serves as a model for states in the region in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes with the full confidence of the international community. This approach stands in direct contrast to Iran's nuclear program, which remains a matter of grave concern to the international community2.”

• 1. Erika Niedowski, “Obama approves nuclear energy deal with UAE,” The National, May 21, 2009, at http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090522/NATIONAL/705219998/1133
• 2. US Department of State press release, “Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States and Government of the United Arab Emirates Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy,” May 21, 2009, at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/05/123748.htm