Vietnam, Russia deepen energy ties with focus on nuclear, oil, gas cooperation

The discussions took place during separate meetings between PM Hung and Alexey Likhachev, director general of Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, and Sergey Kudryashov, CEO of Zarubezhneft, a Russian state-owned oil and gas company, in Kazan, Russia on Wednesday.

The meetings were held as part of PM Hung’s June 16–18 working visit to Russia to attend the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During talks with Rosatom, PM Hung expressed appreciation for Russia’s and the group’s contributions to Vietnam’s nuclear energy development over the past four decades.

He noted that cooperation has included the operation of the Da Lat nuclear reactor, the supply of radiopharmaceuticals for cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the training of scientists and experts, laying a strong foundation for Vietnam’s nuclear capabilities.

He stressed that the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia serves as a key driver to further advance nuclear energy cooperation into a long-term strategic pillar.

As an active member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vietnam remains committed to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, with cooperation with Russia in this field, particularly the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant project in Khanh Hoa Province, identified as a top national priority, PM Hung added.

The Vietnamese leader called on Rosatom and the Russian side to continue supporting the extension of operations at the Da Lat reactor during the transition period, and to support a new nuclear science and technology center in Dong Nai Province.

He also urged stronger cooperation in human resource training, equipment localization, and investment optimization, while calling for close coordination to resolve outstanding issues in ongoing projects.

Likhachev affirmed that Vietnam remains one of Rosatom’s top priorities.

He said the corporation is committed to working closely with Vietnamese partners to implement existing agreements while exploring new areas of cooperation.

Briefing PM Hung on the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant project, Likhachev said the intergovernmental agreement on its construction marked a historic milestone in Vietnam–Russia relations, with Rosatom actively coordinating with Vietnamese counterparts on implementation.

He added that Rosatom stands ready to support Vietnam in developing a modern nuclear industry, including building an advanced nuclear science and technology center, promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and training highly qualified experts.

He also highlighted potential cooperation in renewable energy, high technology, logistics, and Arctic shipbuilding, expressing hope that both sides would further expand ties.

In his meeting with Kudryashov the same day, PM Hung reaffirmed that energy cooperation with Russia remains a top priority for Vietnam, particularly in ensuring national energy security and meeting development needs.

He supported Zarubezhneft, a leading partner of Vietnam in the oil and gas sector, in continuing to study and expand investment opportunities, including new oil and gas contracts in open blocks on Vietnam’s continental shelf.

He said such cooperation should be based on efficiency, balanced interests among stakeholders, and compliance with Vietnamese law, while also encouraging expanded cooperation in third countries.

The Vietnamese leader urged Petrovietnam and Zarubezhneft to effectively implement revised protocols under intergovernmental agreements on Vietsovpetro and Rusvietpetro, as well as agreements on expanding oil and gas exploration and production on Vietnam’s continental shelf and in Russian territory.

He also proposed long-term commercial cooperation between Zarubezhneft and Vietnamese energy enterprises to enhance energy security, strengthen self-reliance, and meet rising development demand.

PM Hung called for close coordination with Petrovietnam and Vietsovpetro to develop offshore wind equipment manufacturing and supply chain proposals in Vietnam.

He encouraged Zarubezhneft to expand Rusvietpetro’s operations in Russia, including extending production areas and acquiring additional oil and gas fields in nearby promising blocks to maximize existing infrastructure, technology, and personnel.

He reaffirmed that Vietnam would continue to create the most favorable conditions for Zarubezhneft and other Russian energy companies to operate effectively in the country.

Kudryashov said the company would work closely with Vietnamese partners to implement the prime minister's directions, while highlighting ongoing cooperation results and future development plans.

He pledged to keep working with Petrovietnam to implement agreements signed during Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s visit to Russia in May 2025, and proposed expanding cooperation into offshore wind and renewable energy projects.

He also suggested joint initiatives in third countries, particularly markets where Vietnam has strong credibility and standing.