Strengthening Ties: Nuclear Energy Agreement Signed
On Tuesday, Russia and Vietnam solidified their longstanding alliance by signing a nuclear energy agreement during a visit from Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. This agreement is part of Vietnam’s initiative to revitalize its nuclear power capabilities to meet the country’s soaring energy demands, with Russia poised to play a significant role in this endeavor.
While specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology has revealed that Alexey Likhachiov, the general director of Russia’s nuclear corporation Rosatom, has shown keen interest in collaborating on the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. This ambitious initiative involves the construction of two nuclear plants in the central Ninh Thuan province, aiming for a combined output of 4,000 megawatts.
Reviving Nuclear Power: The Ninh Thuan Project
The Ninh Thuan project was originally planned with support from Rosatom and a Japanese consortium, JINED, but development was halted in 2016. With the renewed agreement, Vietnam is hoping to restart these plans, reflecting its commitment to diversifying its energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Likhachiov’s recent meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi marked their third engagement in just six months, underscoring the urgency and importance of this nuclear initiative. The agreement was part of a broader set of seven deals covering various sectors, including digital technology and electronics, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Historical Context: A Legacy of Cooperation
This latest agreement follows President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Hanoi six months prior, where discussions included enhancing defense collaboration amidst increasing Western sanctions targeting Russia due to its actions in Ukraine. During that visit, Vietnam’s then-president To Lam highlighted the shared perspectives between the two nations on significant international issues.
The historical ties between Russia and Vietnam date back to the Cold War, and the two countries have maintained a close alliance ever since. This partnership has been particularly evident in military cooperation, with Russia being Vietnam’s primary arms supplier, accounting for over 80 percent of the country’s arms imports between 1995 and 2023.
Current Challenges: Impact of Sanctions
Despite the strong historical relationship, recent years have seen a decline in arms orders due to escalating international sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine. This reduction poses challenges for both nations as they seek to navigate the complexities of global politics while fortifying their partnership.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mishustin engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Chinh and To Lam, who now serves as the general secretary of the Communist Party and the foremost leader of Vietnam. These dialogues are crucial for ensuring that both countries can adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape while continuing to foster their alliance.
