MOSCOW, September 7 (RIA Novosti) - Russia and China have signed protocol to develop their cooperation in space nuclear energy, the Federal Atomic Energy Agency Rosatom said Wednesday.

This came on the heels of the 9th session of the Russian-Chinese sub-commission for nuclear issues, held within the framework of the bilateral commission for regular meetings of the heads of governments from both countries.

The document says that space nuclear energy cooperation is envisioned in an inter-governmental agreement on cooperation for the peaceful use of atomic energy, signed in 1996.

The protocol notes that cooperation between Rosatom and the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics in arms conversion has been successful and that nuclear and radiation safety in the peaceful use of atomic energy is a priority and vital area of bilateral cooperation.

The Russian-Chinese sub-commission for nuclear issues will hold its tenth session in Beijing sometime in 2006.