China, France pledge closer cooperation in civil nuclear energy

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) meets with French President Francois Hollande in Paris June 30, 2015.[Photo/Xinhua]

PARIS - China and France on Wednesday vowed to deepen cooperation in civil nuclear energy by encouraging enterprises from both sides to expand partnerships and share expertise.

The two countries issued a joint statement on deepening civil nuclear energy cooperation during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to France.

China and France stand ready to expand their partnership in civil nuclear energy to more areas, including related scientific research and nuclear safety, said the statement.

The two nations will strengthen cooperation on exploiting and developing uranium resources, converting uranium and manufacturing nuclear fuel and related components, the statement said.

China National Nuclear Corporation and French nuclear power giant Areva have resumed their negotiations on a uranium mine cooperation project, and they will discuss the possibility of further expanding cooperation around the world, according to the statement.

France, with nuclear energy providing the bulk of its power needs, is leading the world in civil nuclear energy technology and application.