17th Meeting of the U.S.–Argentina Joint Standing Committee on Nuclear Energy Cooperation

The seventeenth meeting of the United States-Argentina Joint Standing Committee on Nuclear Energy Cooperation was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 5-8, 2022. The Head of Delegation on the Argentine side was Ambassador Pablo Tetamantti, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship and the Head of Delegation for the U.S. side was Ann Ganzer, Principal Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation at the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. Delegation included representatives from the Department of State, Department of Energy (DOE), and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires. The Argentine Delegation included, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship/ Directorate of International Security, Nuclear and Space Affairs (DIGAN), the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN).

Both Parties reaffirmed the value of civil nuclear cooperation in strengthening our strategic and political relationship.

Both Parties affirmed their collective commitment to principles of international security and the nuclear nonproliferation regimes, including principles related to strong practices of nuclear safety and security. Stressed the importance of the international community’s commitments regarding the safety and security of nuclear materials and facilities. The United States and Argentina reaffirmed their commitment to the NPT, recognized its enduring benefits, and recommitted to preserving and strengthening the nuclear nonproliferation regime, while stressed the importance to focus and foster the international cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, under the scope of Article IV of the Treaty.

Both countries highlighted the great potential of nuclear power to make a significant impact on climate change and the value of civil nuclear cooperation in advancing our shared climate change interests.

Both countries recognized the great importance of continuing exchanging views and identifying areas of common interest to cooperate in the nuclear field. The United States and Argentina have a shared enthusiasm for small modular reactors and other advanced nuclear technologies, and the potential of both to support economic growth and development.

Both countries underscored the significant importance of cooperation regarding the exchange of technical information and other activities in regulation, licensing, safety, and security matters. The United States and Argentina reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration on these issues and continuing to work together on international safeguards and export controls.

Both countries affirmed the utmost relevance of promoting gender equality in the nuclear sector and the defense of the rights of women and diversity and underlined the commitment to work together towards it.