Latest news with #123Agreement
The Star
10-08-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia's pursuit of 123 Agreement shows commitment to safe, reliable nuclear partnership
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's move to pursue deeper nuclear cooperation with the United States (US) through the 123 Agreement reflects its recognition of the importance of working with partners that prioritise safety and cutting-edge technology, says US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan. Kagan said the development, announced during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Kuala Lumpur in July, marked a positive step toward formalising peaceful nuclear collaboration through the legal framework required under United States law. Malaysia and the United States, represented by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Rubio respectively, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on civil nuclear cooperation on July 10. During the signing ceremony, which was held on the sidelines of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers Meetings and related meetings, Mohamad said Malaysia was ready to begin negotiations on the 123 Agreement. "It's a very, very positive step that shows Malaysia's recognition that United States technology remains cutting-edge, and that when it comes to nuclear, trying to have reliable partners who have a commitment to safety is really key. "This is a very significant step. We believe that Malaysia is a suitable partner, and we will need to negotiate with them. It will need to be ratified," Kagan told Bernama in an exclusive interview recently. A 123 Agreement, named after Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, is a legal framework required by the United States before any transfer of nuclear materials, technology or equipment for peaceful purposes could take place. The agreement must go through negotiation and ratification to ensure adherence to international non-proliferation and safety standards. On whether a timeline has been outlined to conclude the agreement, Kagan said the next steps would depend entirely on Malaysia's internal energy planning. "Malaysia is going to need to make its decisions about how quickly it wants to go," he added. "We believe that it's very much in the interest of both countries to have a 123 Agreement. We look forward to working with Malaysia, but ultimately, this will be done at Malaysia's pace and in response to Malaysia's decisions about what it wants for its energy mix," he said. – Bernama
The Sun
10-08-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia advances nuclear cooperation with US through 123 Agreement
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's push for deeper nuclear cooperation with the United States under the 123 Agreement demonstrates its focus on partnering with nations that uphold safety and advanced technology standards. US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D Kagan emphasised the significance of this development during a recent exclusive interview with Bernama. The agreement, announced during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit in July, establishes a legal framework for peaceful nuclear collaboration between both countries. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Rubio formalised the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding on civil nuclear cooperation on July 10. Mohamad confirmed Malaysia's readiness to begin negotiations on the 123 Agreement during the signing ceremony held alongside the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meetings. Kagan described the move as a positive indication of Malaysia's recognition of US technological leadership and commitment to nuclear safety standards. The 123 Agreement derives its name from Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act and serves as a mandatory legal foundation for nuclear material transfers. This framework requires thorough negotiation and ratification processes to guarantee compliance with international non-proliferation and safety protocols. When questioned about potential timelines for finalising the agreement, Kagan stressed that progress would align with Malaysia's domestic energy planning priorities. He affirmed the mutual benefits of establishing the 123 Agreement while respecting Malaysia's autonomy in determining its energy strategy and implementation pace. The ambassador reiterated the US commitment to supporting Malaysia's decisions regarding its future energy mix and technological partnerships. – Bernama
New Straits Times
10-08-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's pursuit of 123 Agreement shows commitment to safe, reliable nuclear partnership
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's move to pursue deeper nuclear cooperation with the United States (US) through the 123 Agreement reflects its recognition of the importance of working with partners that prioritise safety and cutting-edge technology, said US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan. Kagan said the development, announced during the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Kuala Lumpur in July, marked a positive step towards formalising peaceful nuclear collaboration through the legal framework required under US law. Malaysia and the US, represented by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Rubio respectively, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on civil nuclear cooperation on July 10. During the signing ceremony which was held on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meetings and related meetings, Mohamad said Malaysia is ready to begin negotiations on the 123 Agreement. "It's a very, very positive step that shows Malaysia's recognition that US technology remains cutting-edge, and that when it comes to nuclear, trying to have reliable partners who have a commitment to safety is really key. "This is a very significant step. We think that Malaysia is a good partner, and there we will need to negotiate. It will need to be ratified," Kagan told Bernama in an exclusive interview recently. A 123 Agreement, named after Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, is an essential legal framework required by the US before any transfer of nuclear materials, technology or equipment for peaceful purposes can take place. The agreement must go through negotiation and ratification, to ensure adherence to international non-proliferation and safety standards. On whether a timeline has been outlined to conclude the agreement, Kagan said the next steps would depend entirely on Malaysia's internal energy planning. "Malaysia is going to need to make its decisions about how quickly it wants to go," he added. "We believe that it's very much in the interest of both countries to have a 123 Agreement. We look forward to working with Malaysia, but ultimately, this will be done at Malaysia's pace and in response to Malaysia's decisions about what it wants for its energy mix," he said. — BERNAMA
Daily Tribune
19-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
The clear proof of strong friendship
Member of Parliament Hassan Ibrahim has welcomed the suite of major agreements signed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, during his official visit to the United States. He described the deals — valued at an estimated $17 billion — as a clear proof of the strong friendship binding Bahrain and the U.S. 'These agreements move the Bahrain–US partnership into a new phase,' said Mr Ibrahim. He added: 'They show how determined the leadership is to draw in investment, open up job opportunities and build national skills for the good of everyday Bahrainis.' Among the standout agreements is a major aviation deal that will see Gulf Air acquire new aircraft and engines from Boeing and General Electric. In parallel, Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat has committed up to $2 billion to support industrial projects in the U.S., particularly in aluminium-linked manufacturing. Bahrain's digital ambitions also took a leap forward with plans to build a strategic undersea cable linking the Kingdom with neighbouring Gulf states. Meanwhile, the signing of a civil nuclear cooperation accord — known as the 123 Agreement — paves the way for Bahrain to explore peaceful atomic energy as part of its long-term net-zero strategy. The Kingdom also entered into new partnerships with American tech giants Oracle and Cisco to accelerate its digital transformation and advance capabilities in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Mr Ibrahim extending his best wishes for Bahrain's continued progress and prosperity under the guidance of its leadership.
Bangkok Post
14-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Watchdog doubts need for nuke deal
Thailand Nuclear Watchdog has expressed concerns about the government's decision to enter into an agreement with the United States on nuclear energy cooperation, saying there is no immediate need to incorporate nuclear power into the nation's energy landscape. Tara Buakamsri, a coordinator with the watchdog, said the decision was likely linked to the ongoing tariff negotiations between the two countries. He also questioned the economic viability of investing in small modular reactor (SMR) technology. The concerns follow an announcement by the US Department of State on July 11, which said the Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy -- also known as the 123 Agreement -- had officially come into force on July 9. In an interview with the Bangkok Post, Mr Tara said the agreement will pave the way for the introduction of US-developed SMR technology to Thailand. While proponents of SMRs say the reactors are a low-carbon source of alternative energy, Mr Tara believes the agreement is part of a broader effort by the US to force the kingdom to adopt its technology under the guise of trade cooperation. "Despite the promotional narrative, there are currently no operational SMR plants in the United States," he noted. There are currently only two commercial SMR plants in the world -- in China and Russia. SMRs in Argentina, Canada, South Korea, and the US, meanwhile, are still under construction or in the early phases of licensing and development, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Mr Tara said adding nuclear power to Thailand's energy mix will be challenging, given negative public perception and cost concerns. "While nuclear is marketed as a cost-effective solution, wind energy remains cheaper and more competitive," he said. He said that nuclear power is not essential to securing Thailand's energy future or maintaining affordable electricity prices. "There are plenty of viable alternative energy sources. Nuclear doesn't need to be part of Thailand's energy equation right now." In his article, "Small Modular Reactors: Hope or Doubt?", published in May, Mr Tara criticised the timing and scale of SMR deployment. He wrote: "In Thailand, the first SMRs will only start generating meaningful amounts of electricity in 2037, which is too little, too late to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Pushing forward with SMR projects will require massive financial guarantees, which will ultimately be shouldered by consumers and taxpayers." The 123 Agreement provides a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear collaboration grounded in mutual nonproliferation commitments. It enables the transfer of nuclear materials, reactors, components, and technical data for civil energy and research purposes.
