Japan and France Forge Stronger Ties for Nuclear Technology

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and visiting French President Francois Hollande agreed at a meeting on Friday to enhance their nuclear and security cooperation. During the summit meeting hosted by Abe at the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders concluded a written agreement on comprehensive nuclear cooperation between the two countries that includes joint development of technology for a fast reactor, nuclear fuel cycles, reactor decommissioning, and decontamination of areas affected by radiation.

It stipulates that Tokyo and Paris should jointly market a nuclear reactor developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and French nuclear giant Areva SA when they export nuclear power plants to other countries.

Japan and France also agreed to enhance their partnership on counterterrorism abroad through the exchange of intelligence on security in the Middle East and Africa, based on lessons learned from the hostage incident in Algeria in which many people were killed, including 10 Japanese. They also agreed to conclude negotiations as soon as possible on an economic partnership agreement that started in April between Japan and the European Union.