The fifth meeting of the U.S.-Japan Bilateral Commission on Civil Nuclear Cooperation (the Bilateral Commission) was held in Tokyo on August 8, 2018. Deputy Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette and Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeo Mori led the discussions as co-chairs. The delegations included participants representing a wide range of governmental agencies.
Participants from the U.S. included officials from the Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The Japanese side included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Ministry of the Environment, the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, the Nuclear Regulation Authority, and the Cabinet Office.
“The United States and Japan have one of the most robust collaboration efforts in support of nuclear energy and we both place great importance on the value of that energy source,” said Deputy Secretary Brouillette. “Nuclear power is a critical source for clean energy generation, providing energy security and reliability that can improve the standard of living around the world. I look forward to our future efforts with Japan on civil nuclear cooperation.”
Following the meeting, the United States and Japan issued a joint statement reaffirming their intention to continue bilateral cooperation in the advancement of shared nuclear nonproliferation objectives, continuing joint efforts which will be reported on at the next Bilateral Commission meeting to be held in the United States.
This joint statement notes the continuation of the Agreement for Cooperation between the Government of Japan and the Government of the United States of America concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, and is extremely important as a foundation for peaceful use of nuclear energy and for the U.S.-Japan relationship. Both countries will continue close collaboration and cooperation for stable implementation of this agreement.
Brouillette and Mori also discussed Japan’s new policy guidelines to cap its plutonium stockpile at the current level and reduce from there, demonstrating Japan’s steadfast commitment to a strong and transparent nonproliferation policy.
“This new policy is further evidence of the responsible, leadership role that Japan continues to play on global nonproliferation issues,” said Brouillette. “The United States and Japan share the same values of safety, security, transparency, and nonproliferation, which are the foundation of our strong nuclear partnership.”
Source: Department of Energy
