The UK and Jordan yesterday signed a nuclear cooperation pact, with Britain’s foreign secretary David Miliband hailing Jordan’s “transparent” approach to developing nuclear energy.

Mr Miliband signed the deal with Jordanian counterpart Nasser Judeh on the sidelines of a visit to the UK by King Abdullah. Mr Miliband said the UK was committed to helping the energy-poor Arab country develop its civil nuclear programme.

“If we are to move the world to a low-carbon economy, then nuclear power needs to be an important part of the energy mix,” Mr Miliband said after the signing.

“But it needs to be developed in a safe and secure way. Jordan’s nuclear power programme is fully transparent making it a model for countries considering developing their own civil nuclear programmes,” he added.