HANOI, Vietnam: Vietnam and Russia have signed a new agreement to expand collaboration on nuclear energy during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's two-day visit to Hanoi.

The agreement between Russia's state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom and Vietnam's state-owned power utility EVN marks a significant step in Vietnam's efforts to revive its nuclear energy ambitions.

These plans had been put on hold in 2016 due to concerns over costs and safety but are now seen as critical to achieving energy self-sufficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

During the visit, Mishustin talked with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Communist Party Chief To Lam, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. He emphasized Vietnam's importance as a key partner for Russia in Southeast Asia.

"Vietnam is an important partner of Russia in Southeast Asia," Mishustin said. "Today, we plan to discuss with you a comprehensive plan for cooperation between Russia and Vietnam, which runs until 2030."

Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom's general director, arrived in Hanoi ahead of the signing. He expressed Rosatom's readiness to assist Vietnam in building nuclear power plants and research centers and localizing Russian nuclear technology.

In addition to nuclear energy, the agreement includes the transfer of a scientific research vessel for marine studies, further broadening the scope of bilateral cooperation.

This visit by Mishustin, his first to Vietnam, follows a trip by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Hanoi in June, during which both countries agreed to collaborate on a roadmap for a nuclear science and technology center in Vietnam.

Hanoi and Moscow's ties date back to 1950, and their enduring alliance is evident in Vietnam's urban landscapes, where Soviet-style architecture remains alongside modern skyscrapers. Despite their historical relationship, bilateral trade between the two nations reached only US$3.6 billion in 2023, dwarfed by Vietnam's trade volumes with China and the U.S.

While Russia has traditionally supplied 80 percent of Vietnam's arms exports since the early 2000s, Vietnam has diversified its defense procurement in recent years, reducing its reliance on Russian weaponry.

Mishustin's visit underlines efforts to deepen ties in energy, science, and defense as Russia seeks to strengthen its presence in Asia amid international isolation over its conflict in Ukraine.