The Vietnamese Government looks forward to partnering with Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom to train human resources in nuclear science, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said on June 19.

Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (right) meets Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev on June 19. Photo: VGP

At the meeting with Rosatom’s Director General Alexey Likhachev, the Prime Minister suggested that Rosatom keep assisting Vietnam in maintaining and operating the nuclear reactor in Lam Dong Province’s Da Lat City for 8-10 years more.

He also asked the Russian enterprise to report the difficulties in the project of developing the nuclear science research center in the southern province of Dong Nai and work with local authorities to make sure the project finishes on schedule.

In addition, Prime Minister Chinh spoke highly of Rosatom’s idea to build a nuclear medical center and cooperate to develop wind power projects in Vietnam.

“Both sides should accelerate joint activities in nuclear science to guarantee peace and energy security and better serve the people,” the Vietnamese government leader said.

“There should be long-term, professional projects in all fields such as industrials, agriculture, health, and transportation.”

Speaking of the relations with Russia, Chinh pledged to extend the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, especially in atomic energy, for peace, mutual interests, stability, and growth.

“We always appreciate that the Soviet Union and Russia have helped Vietnam produce top-tier experts and scientists in atomic energy,” he stated.

Vietnam considers resuming its nuclear power program a key tool to reach the net zero emission target set for 2050, ensure energy security, and foster growth.

Stressing that Vietnam regards Russia as a top-class partner and highlighting the two sides’ comprehensive strategic partnership, the PM said that the Vietnamese will always remember the support that Russia has delivered during the war and modern days. With assistance from the Russians, many projects have been implemented, thus facilitating Vietnam to drive socio-economic growth and detect and cure cancers. 

For his part, Alexey Likhachev said that he is glad to see bilateral relations between Vietnam and Russia have progressed well, particularly in the atomic energy sector.

He emphasized that Russia and Rosatom expect to foster their partnerships with Vietnam in the fields mentioned by the Prime Minister and that Rosatom is willing and ready to share experiences with Vietnamese partners.

The general director said that he would work hard to promote the cooperative activities and report to the Prime Minister about the details of the projects.

Rosatom is a multi-industry holding company that comprises assets in power engineering, machine building, and construction. The Russian company incorporates over 450 enterprises, employing a total of more than 350,000 people. Rosatom now produces nearly a fifth of Russia's total power output.