Photo courtesy of VN Express Vietnam and Russia have signed a cooperation agreement to build a nuclear power plant in Vietnam. This decision was formalized during Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to Moscow on March 23. Both leaders hailed the agreement as a significant step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, branding it a symbol of their countries’ enduring friendship. Get today's headlines by email The talks also encompassed additional agreements in energy, oil and gas, and transport sectors, aimed at implementing existing protocols and ensuring energy security. Vietnam and Russia acknowledged their past achievements in energy cooperation, stating that joint ventures have played a crucial role. They emphasized the potential for expanding cooperation into new, clean, and renewable energy fields to support green transitions and sustainable development. The comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Russia has expanded over the years to include sectors like economy, trade, security, and humanitarian efforts. The two prime ministers agreed that science and technology should be a new focus and planned to promote exchange activities in 2026, especially in IT and AI. They highlighted the potential of the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center to expand scientific research collaboration. Prime Minister Chinh invited Russia to contribute expertise in developing Vietnam’s metro systems, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, both countries committed to advancing agreements on humanitarian cooperation, particularly in education, culture, and tourism. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin noted Vietnam’s popularity among Russian tourists and discussed enhancing cultural exchanges, including events like the Vietnam Culture Festival at Red Square in 2025. Looking ahead, the two nations aim to strengthen ties through educational and cultural initiatives, such as language classes to deepen mutual understanding. The agreements reflect a shared vision for a robust partnership across diverse domains, reported VN Express. Join the discussion? Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 24 Mar 2026
