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Sino-Australian Talks on Nuclear Energy Make "Substantive Progress"

Posted on: Friday, 20 January 2006, 09:00 CST

Sino-Australian talks on nuclear energy make "substantive progress"

CANBERRA, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- "Good and substantive progress" was made at the Sino-Australian talks on nuclear energy which concluded here Thursday, a source from the Chinese delegation told Xinhua.

"Both sides expressed their support for international non- proliferation efforts and commitment to cooperate in the peaceful use of nuclear energy while fulfilling their respective international obligations," said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The two-day talks focused on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including conditions for Australia's supply of uranium to China.

"These negotiations were conducted on the basis of equality and mutual benefit," said the source.

Both sides had in-depth exchange of views and agreed to keep in close contact with the aim to complete negotiations at an early date, the source said.

The Chinese delegation is headed by Zhang Yan, a departmental director of the Foreign Ministry in charge of arms control and disarmament, while his Australian counterpart is John Carlson, director-general of the Australian Safeguards and Non- Proliferation Office.

Australia has 40 percent of the world's known uranium reserves and China has a plan to boost its nuclear power production in the years to come.

Source: Xinhua News Agency - CEIS

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