    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [July 3, 2007]
    [Pages 910-912]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Declaration by President George W. Bush and President Vladimir V.
    Putin of Russia on Nuclear Energy and
    Nonproliferation Joint Actions
    July 3, 2007

        We are determined to play an active role in making the advantages of
    the peaceful use of nuclear energy available to a wide range of
    interested States, in particular developing countries, provided the
    common goal of prevention of proliferation of nuclear weapons is
    achieved. To this end, we intend, together with others, to initiate a
    new format for enhanced cooperation.
        Bearing this in mind, we acknowledge with satisfaction the
    initialing of the bilateral Agreement between the Government of the
    Russian Federation and the Government of the United States of America
    for cooperation in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy. We share
    the view that this Agreement will provide an essential basis for the
    expansion of Russian-U.S. cooperation in the field of peaceful use of
    nuclear energy and expect this document to be signed and brought into
    force in accordance with existing legal requirements.
        We share a common vision of growth in the use of nuclear energy,
    including in developing countries, to increase the supply of
    electricity, promote economic growth and development, and reduce
    reliance on fossil fuels, resulting in decreased pollution and
    greenhouse gasses.
        This expansion of nuclear energy should be conducted in a way that
    strengthens the

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    nuclear nonproliferation regime. We strongly support the Treaty on the
    Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and are committed to its further
    strengthening. We support universal adherence to the IAEA Additional
    Protocol, and call on those who have not yet done so to sign and ratify
    it. We support the activities of the IAEA with respect to both
    safeguards and promotion of peaceful nuclear energy, and fully
    understand the need for growth of its capabilities, including its
    financial resources, commensurate with the expanded use of nuclear
    energy worldwide.
        We are prepared to support expansion of nuclear energy in the
    following ways, consistent with national law and international legal
    frameworks. These efforts build on, reinforce, and complement a range of
    existing activities, including the work at the IAEA for reliable access
    to nuclear fuel, the initiative of the Russian Federation on developing
    Global Nuclear Infrastructure, including the nuclear fuel center in the
    Russian Federation, the initiative of the United States to establish the
    Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, the IAEA International Project on
    Innovative Nuclear Rectors and Fuel Cycles, and the Generation IV
    International Forum.
         Facilitating the supply of a range of modern, safe, and
                more proliferation resistant nuclear power reactors and
                research reactors appropriate to meet the varying energy
                needs of developing and developed countries.
         Arranging for participation in national and multinational
                programs to develop requirements for nuclear reactors for
                participating countries.
         Facilitating and supporting financing to aid construction
                of nuclear power plants through public and private national
                and multinational mechanisms, including international
                financial institutions.
         Providing assistance to states to develop the necessary
                infrastructure to support nuclear energy, including
                development of appropriate regulatory frameworks, safety and
                security programs to assist states in meeting international
                standards, and training of personnel.
         Developing solutions to deal with the management of spent
                fuel and radioactive waste, including options for leasing of
                fuel, storage of spent fuel, and over time development of
                technology for recycling spent fuel.
         Ensuring that the IAEA has the resources it needs to meet
                its safeguards responsibilities as nuclear power expands
                worldwide.
         Supporting expanded IAEA Technical Cooperation to help
                states build the necessary infrastructure for safe, secure,
                and reliable operations of nuclear power plants.
         Assisting development and expansion of regional electricity
                grids, to permit states without nuclear reactors to share in
                the benefits of nuclear power.
         Providing nuclear fuel services, including taking steps to
                ensure that the commercial nuclear fuel market remains
                stable and that states are assured of reliable access to
                nuclear fuel and fuel services for the lifetime of reactors,
                including through establishment of international nuclear
                fuel cycle centers, to provide nuclear fuel cycle services,
                including uranium enrichment, under IAEA safeguards.
         Supporting negotiation of long-term contracts for power
                reactors and research reactors, including assured supply of
                fuel and arrangements for management of spent fuel.
        We are prepared to enter into discussions jointly and bilaterally to
    develop mutually beneficial approaches with states considering nuclear
    energy or considering expansion of existing nuclear energy programs in
    conformity with their rights and obligations under the NPT. The
    development of

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    economical and reliable access to nuclear energy is designed to permit
    states to gain the benefits of nuclear energy and to create a viable
    alternative to the acquisition of sensitive fuel cycle technologies.
        The energy and nonproliferation challenges we face today are greater
    than ever before. We are convinced that this approach will permit
    substantial expansion of nuclear energy and at the same time strengthen
    nonproliferation. We welcome the cooperation of states that share this
    common vision and are committed to jointly taking steps to make this
    vision a reality.

    The President of the                    The President of the
    United States of America                Russian Federation

    Washington, Moscow

    July 3, 2007.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.