Jordan, France Sign Nuclear, Uranium Mining Deal

In a state visit to France, King Abdullah II has been working on nuclear energy agreements for his country. Within one day, a civilian nuclear deal was signed with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, as well as a uranium mining deal with Areva and Jordan’s Atomic Energy Commission. r41949272861

Sarkozy’s office says the deal will “reinforce and institutionalize” nuclear cooperation between the two countries.

Sarkozy has said France would support Muslim nations seeking civilian nuclear technologies. Under Sarkozy, France has signed similar nuclear accords with Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

Areva was a frontrunner among several international firms in talks with Jordan to develop a nuclear reactor as part of a longer term strategy of the energy importer to meet rapidly rising demand for power.

No details emerged on the nature of the reactor sought.

Jordan has signed agreements with France, China and Canada to co-operate on the development of civilian nuclear power and the transfer of technology.

article based on reports from Reuters and USA Today