The MoU was signed one day after Abu Dhabi released its nuclear energy
policy. In the so-called white paper, the Gulf Cooperation Council state
pledged not to enrich uranium or proliferate nuclear material.
"The UAE-U.S. MoU represents an excellent example of cooperation the UAE
hopes to forge with responsible nuclear supplier states in the area of
peaceful nuclear energy," Abdullah said. "There are potential mutual
benefits to both parties from deepening cooperation in the development of
the UAE's domestic nuclear energy sector."
Abdullah said the UAE would work with the International Atomic Energy
Agency in the emirate's nuclear program. He said Abu Dhabi would seek a
steady supply of nuclear fuel.
In January 2008, the UAE signed a nuclear cooperation accord with
France. France has offered to build nuclear reactors throughout the Gulf
region. The GCC has been examining the feasibility of a joint nuclear energy
program.