The United States and Russia pledged on Tuesday to expand nuclear energy cooperation and make nuclear energy available to developing countries.

"We are determined to play an active role in making the advantages of the peaceful use of nuclear energy available to a wide range of interested states, in particular developing countries, provided the common goal of prevention of proliferation of nuclear weapons is achieved," the White House said in a joint statement.

The statement was issued after US President George W. Bush's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Bush family compound in Maine on Sunday and Monday.

The United States and Russia will help secure financing, including through international institutions, for new nuclear plants and help states develop necessary regulations, safety standards and training programs, the statement said.

While agreeing to help other states get the benefit of safe nuclear energy, the two countries also stressed to continue controlling the spread of technology that allows them to make the material needed for nuclear weapons.

In addition, they also promised to develop solutions to deal with the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste.

(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2007)