Hanoi Courts Russian Energy Giants Rosatom, Zarubezhneft for Key Projects

Vietnam is deepening its energy cooperation with Russia, with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung holding high-level talks in Kazan on June 17 to advance strategic nuclear, oil, and gas projects. The meetings with state-owned giants Rosatom and Zarubezhneft signal a push to solidify long-term partnerships in both traditional and renewable energy sectors.

Nuclear Ambitions Reaffirmed

In a meeting with Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom), the company affirmed its readiness to support Vietnam in developing its nuclear industry. According to a Government News report, Likhachev stated that cooperation with Vietnam is one of Rosatom's top priorities. The firm is prepared to assist in establishing a modern nuclear center, promoting the peaceful use of atomic energy, and training qualified specialists.

Likhachev confirmed that Rosatom is working closely with Vietnamese partners on the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant project and expressed a desire to explore new collaborations in renewable energy, high technology, logistics, and Arctic shipbuilding.

Prime Minister Hung expressed his appreciation for Rosatom's contributions to Vietnam's nuclear sector over the past four decades, including the operation of the Da Lat nuclear reactor. He noted that the Vietnam–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership provides an important foundation for elevating atomic energy cooperation into a "long-term strategic pillar." As an active member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vietnam views the Ninh Thuan I project as a top priority. Hung called on Rosatom to continue supporting the extension of the Da Lat reactor's operation and the implementation of the Nuclear Science and Technology Center project in Dong Nai city.

Expanding Oil and Gas Ventures

On the same day, the Prime Minister met with Kudryashov Sergei Ivanovich, General Director of the Russian oil and gas company Zarubezhneft, one of Vietnam's leading energy partners. Hung voiced support for Zarubezhneft's plans to expand its investments, including signing new oil and gas contracts for open blocks on Vietnam's continental shelf. This support is contingent on ensuring investment efficiency, balancing the interests of all parties, and complying with Vietnamese law.

The Prime Minister also encouraged the company to explore joint activities in third countries and to establish long-term, stable commercial cooperation with Vietnamese energy enterprises. He specifically urged Zarubezhneft to work closely with Petrovietnam and Vietsovpetro to study and finalize proposals for establishing wind power equipment manufacturing facilities and developing a related supply chain in Vietnam.