On July 2, the United States and Philippines' Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (or "123 Agreement") entered into force. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation on clean energy and energy security while strengthening long-term bilateral diplomatic and economic relationships.
Energy security is an increasingly critical global challenge requiring collaborative efforts. Together, the two countries aim to make a significant contribution to shared clean energy goals. The agreement highlights nuclear energy as a means to achieve global climate change and energy security targets, with plans to explore new avenues of cooperation in civil nuclear energy and other clean energy initiatives.
This agreement builds on nearly 80 years of peaceful nuclear cooperation between the nations and establishes a framework for continued U.S. civil nuclear trade with the Philippines. It is part of broader U.S. efforts to develop the Philippines' civil nuclear sector, which requires a skilled workforce, robust regulations, and strong commercial partnerships. The U.S. government has committed to working with the Philippines to advance these areas.
Civil nuclear cooperation agreements, also known as 123 Agreements, provide a legal framework for exports of nuclear material, equipment, and components from the United States to another country. This particular agreement offers a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation with the Philippines based on mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. It permits the transfer of nuclear material, equipment (including reactors), components, and information for nuclear research and civil nuclear energy production.
