Israel has unveiled plans to build a nuclear power plant in co-operation with Jordan, in a project aimed at meeting the region's energy needs and at promoting peace.

The announcement was made by Israeli Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau at a 65-nation energy forum in Paris, opened yesterday by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Separately, Syria announced at the conference that it would also like to develop atomic energy.

Israel already has two nuclear reactors. One - near the southeast city of Dimona - is widely believed to be used to produce atomic weapons. The second is the research reactor at Nahal Soreq near Tel Aviv.

The Jewish state refuses to confirm or deny that it has nuclear weapons, pursuing instead a policy of "nuclear ambiguity". It is not a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has said it will not sign up for a Middle East nuclear-free zone, which is being promoted by the United States.

Officials say the new nuclear power plant would be a joint project between Israel and Jordan. France would supervise and provide technology. Minister Landau said a site had been chosen - in the northern part of the Negev desert. Israel has a severe power shortage, with no oil of its own. It produces most of its energy from  gas and coal-fired electricity plants.

Minister Landau's announcement coincides with US Vice-President Joe Biden's visit to Israel. Mr Biden has begun a series of indirect talks with the Israelis and the Palestinians - the so-called "proximity talks". He says there is now a "moment of real opportunity" for peace between the two sides.