During his meeting with Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung expressed appreciation for the corporation’s cooperation, support and significant contributions to the development of Vietnam’s nuclear energy sector over the past four decades.

He highlighted Rosatom’s role in operating the Da Lat nuclear reactor, which has supported socio-economic development through the production of radioisotopes used in cancer diagnosis and treatment, while also helping train generations of leading Vietnamese scientists and experts in atomic energy.

The prime minister said the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, built on a high level of political trust, provides a strong foundation for making nuclear energy cooperation a long-term strategic pillar of bilateral relations.

As an active member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vietnam attaches great importance to the peaceful application of nuclear technology, he said, stressing that cooperation with Russia and the implementation of the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant project remain among Vietnam’s top priorities.

Le Minh Hung proposed that Rosatom and the Russian side continue supporting the extension of operations at the Da Lat reactor during the transition period, back the Nuclear Science and Technology Center project in Dong Nai Province, strengthen human resource training, increase localization of equipment, optimize investment costs and work closely with Vietnamese partners to address implementation challenges.

Likhachev thanked the prime minister for the meeting and welcomed him on his first visit to Russia as head of government, describing the trip as significant for the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Rosatom chief said the corporation is a global leader in nuclear energy and has maintained close cooperation with Vietnam for many years. He expressed the company’s desire to continue implementing agreed projects and exploring new areas of collaboration.

Describing Vietnam as one of Rosatom’s top priorities, Likhachev briefed the prime minister on the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant project and emphasized that the agreement to build the facility represents a historic milestone in Vietnam-Russia cooperation. He said Rosatom is working closely with Vietnamese partners to advance the project.

Likhachev affirmed Rosatom’s readiness to support Vietnam in developing its nuclear industry, establishing a modern nuclear research center, promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and training high-quality nuclear specialists.

He added that significant opportunities remain for cooperation in renewable energy, high technology, logistics and Arctic shipbuilding, expressing hope that both sides would continue discussions on future partnerships.

At a separate meeting with Zarubezhneft CEO Sergey Kudryashov, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung praised the company’s efforts and contributions to oil and gas exploration and production projects in both Vietnam and Russia, noting their positive impact on bilateral economic and trade relations.

Emphasizing that energy cooperation with Russia remains a priority for Vietnam, the prime minister voiced support for Zarubezhneft’s plans to expand investment activities and sign new petroleum contracts for open blocks on Vietnam’s continental shelf, provided such projects ensure investment efficiency, balanced benefits and compliance with Vietnamese law.

He also encouraged the company to explore opportunities for expanded cooperation in third countries.

The prime minister called on Petrovietnam and Zarubezhneft to effectively implement amendments to the intergovernmental agreements governing the Vietsovpetro and Rusvietpetro joint ventures, as well as agreements aimed at expanding geological exploration and oil and gas production activities on Vietnam’s continental shelf and in Russian territory.

Le Minh Hung proposed that Zarubezhneft consider long-term cooperation with Vietnamese energy enterprises in commercial activities to help strengthen Vietnam’s energy security, energy independence and economic development.

He also urged closer coordination with Petrovietnam and Vietsovpetro to finalize plans for establishing a wind power equipment manufacturing facility and supply chain in Vietnam.

The prime minister further encouraged Zarubezhneft to expand operations at the Rusvietpetro joint venture in Russia, including developing new oil and gas fields and nearby prospective blocks in the Nenets region to maximize existing infrastructure, technology and human resources.

Kudryashov thanked the prime minister for the meeting and pledged to work closely with Vietnamese partners in implementing the directions outlined by the Vietnamese government.

He briefed the prime minister on the status and performance of joint projects in Vietnam and Russia, as well as the company’s future development plans.

Kudryashov said Zarubezhneft would continue cooperating with Petrovietnam to implement agreements signed during Party General Secretary To Lam’s visit to Russia in May 2025.

He noted that Zarubezhneft is currently the largest Russian supplier of coal to the Vietnamese market and stressed that bilateral energy cooperation still holds enormous untapped potential.

The executive proposed expanding cooperation into new sectors, including offshore wind power development, renewable energy projects and joint ventures in third countries.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung reaffirmed that Vietnam will continue creating the most favorable conditions possible for Zarubezhneft and other Russian energy companies to operate and invest effectively in the country.

TTXVN