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US and PH will discuss a civil nuclear cooperation agreement.

A civil nuclear cooperation agreement between the Philippines and the US is about to start negotiations, and it will serve as the “legal framework” for US exports of nuclear materials and equipment to the Philippines.

The agreement will be among the initiatives unveiled during US Vice President Kamala Harris’ three-day visit to the Philippines, according to a senior US administration official speaking on a press teleconference that was broadcast by Zoom late Sunday.

Following Harris’ arrival in the Philippines on Sunday night, the official added, “The Vice President will declare that our nations are starting negotiations on a “123 agreement,” an agreement that will allow for civil nuclear cooperation.

The “123 agreement” aims to promote increased collaboration on nonproliferation and zero-emission energy priorities.

“Once in effect, this agreement will permit US companies to export nuclear technology, creating substantial new commercial opportunities for our private sector,” he added. “Of course, this will also help the Philippines enhance its energy security and transition to clean energy.”

The pact will assist the US in ensuring that civil nuclear cooperation is safeguarded against the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the US official explained.

The official added, “It’s critical that we’re beginning that process with the Philippines because our National Security Act needs such an arrangement to be in place with the country before we can advance with the civil cooperation.”

In order to satisfy the Philippines’ urgent baseload power demands, the US is committed to collaborating with the Philippines “to strengthen energy security and deploy advanced nuclear reactor technology as rapidly as safety and security conditions permit.”

According to a fact sheet from Harris’ office, “Such a deployment would benefit both energy security and climate goals, as well as employees and businesses in both countries.”

Additionally, it was stated that the two countries will create an Energy Policy Dialogue, a high-level forum for the creation of new energy cooperation projects, such as offshore wind development, grid stability, and power transmission.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by the US and the Philippines in March of last year in an effort to improve bilateral nuclear cooperation.

The MOU Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation, according to the US State Department, would increase the two countries’ engagements on energy security and expand their diplomatic and commercial ties.

More resources for EDCA

A senior US administration official also suggested that the US would contribute “additional financing” to the development of facilities at Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines.

The US has so far allocated more than USD82 million towards EDCA implementation at each of the five current locations.

He explained, “The USD 82 million relates to the amount the United States has allocated towards the implementation of the present deal and I think I stated that more financing is on the way.

The US has expressed interest in constructing five additional sites in the Philippines as part of the military agreement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines stated last week.

The US official stated that the finalization of the locations for military facilities is still ongoing between the US and the Philippines.

“Because that process is still in progress, I don’t think you should anticipate precise announcements regarding those places. We are talking to the Philippines about expanding the program, we’ve selected several areas, and once we make those decisions, we’ll reveal the precise locations, he said.

Cooperation in a variety of areas, such as climate change, energy and food security, the digital economy, health, and maritime cooperation, would increase as a result of Harris’ visit to the Philippines.

She will meet separately with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte twice on Monday to talk about ongoing efforts to cement the security alliance and economic ties between the two nations.

As part of the US government’s commitment to supporting its ally in sustaining the rules-based maritime order in the South China Sea, she will be traveling to Palawan on Tuesday.

In order to demonstrate her dedication to upholding human rights and the rule of law in the Philippines and throughout the world, Harris will also meet with civil society activists.

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