Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom on 16 December signed a memorandum on cooperation in the peaceful uses of atomic energy and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Tokyo. Among the key areas of cooperation focus on overcoming the consequences of the accident at the Fukushima-Daiichi NPP, including management of radioactive waste and possible work on decommissioning. The memorandum also covers consideration of establishing a single platform linking sites in Japan and Russia, to explore the possibility of exchanging human resources and ideas in order to promote innovative nuclear technology based on knowledge and experience of both countries.

In May 2009 Japan and Russia signed an agreement on cooperation in peaceful use of atomic energy which was ratified by Russia’s parliament at the end of 2010 and by Japan in December 2011. The agreement allows countries to cooperate in areas such as exploration and development of uranium deposits; design, construction and operation of light water reactors; processing and management of radioactive waste; nuclear safety, including radiation protection and monitoring of the environment; research and application of radioisotopes and radiation; and other areas.

Also during Putin’s visit, Japanese Companies signed 68 deals including an agreement to further develop cooperation on the supply of Russian enriched uranium to Japan. Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev said this strengthens cooperation in the area of enriched uranium supplies which has continued for over 20 years. “We value this and plan to continue its development regardless of the difficulties we face in these difficult times," he told reporters. 

Date: Tuesday, 20 December 2016
Original article: neimagazine.com/news/newsjapan-signs-nuclear-co-operation-deals-with-russia-5702087