The United States signed Monday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Bahrain over peaceful nuclear energy cooperation, which is expected to be a model for Mideast countries.
The agreement was signed here by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her Bahraini counterpart Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa.
It is a "tangible expression of the United States' desire to cooperate with states in the Middle East, and elsewhere, that want to develop peaceful nuclear power in a manner consistent with the highest standards of safety, security and nonproliferation," the State Department said in a statement.
It will "serve as models for the responsible pursuit of the benefits of nuclear technology," said the statement. "This MOU reflects Bahrain's commitment to serve as a model in the region."
Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, decided in December 2006 to develop a joint nuclear technology program for peaceful purpose.
Bahrain, which serves as home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, has been a major non-NATO ally of the United States. U.S. President George W. Bush visited the Bahrain on Jan. 12-13.
Source: Xinhua
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