Joint Statement of the United States of America and the Republic of Korea on the Expansion of Peaceful Nuclear Energy

WASHINGTON, D.C.– The Department of Energy and the Department of State of the United States of America signed today with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Principles Concerning Nuclear Exports and Cooperation.  This MOU finalizes the provisional understanding reached by the participants in November 2024.

The United States and Republic of Korea have worked together on civil nuclear power for more than 70 years.  The cornerstone of this cooperation reflects the two countries’ mutual dedication to maximizing the peaceful uses of nuclear energy under the highest international standards of nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and nonproliferation. 

This MOU continues to build upon this long-standing partnership and provides a framework for the parties to cooperate in expanding civil nuclear power in third countries while strengthening their respective administration of export controls on civil nuclear technology.  It will also provide a pathway to help both countries keep up with the emergence of new technologies in this sector.