Substantial progress has been made during latest Australia-China talks on uranium and the two countries are to sign an agreement in the near future, a spokeswoman for Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Tuesday.

"The negotiations proceeded in a positive and constructive atmosphere and substantial progress was made," the spokeswoman said.

"Both sides are satisfied with the results of the negotiations, " she said.

"The agreement is nearing finalization and is expected to be signed in the near future," she said.

The latest round of negotiations, to set in place a framework to allow Australia to sell some of its vast stores of uranium to China, was held in Beijing two weeks ago.

The spokeswoman also said China and Australia had both renewed their commitment to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT).

"During the consultations, both sides reiterated their support for international non-proliferation efforts and their commitment to cooperate in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, while fulfilling their respective international obligations," she said.

This came after Australia refused to sell India uranium. Australian leaders have insisted that Australia does not sell uranium to India until it signs the NPT, despite of a recent agreement brokered by U.S. President George W. Bush, which will see the United States supply uranium to the subcontinent.

Source: Xinhua