On the occasion of attending the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit marking 35 years of diplomatic relations in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung met S. Kudryashov, General Director of Zarubezhneft.
Zarubezhneft has collaborated for over 40 years with Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PVN) through two joint ventures: Vietsovpetro in Vietnam and Rusvietpetro in Russia. Their cooperation spans geological exploration and the exploitation of oil and gas. Currently, Zarubezhneft is also the largest Russian enterprise supplying coal to the Vietnamese market.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stated that energy cooperation with Russia is a priority for Vietnam. He supported Zarubezhneft's continued research, investment expansion, and the signing of new oil and gas contracts for open blocks on Vietnam's continental shelf. This cooperation is based on principles ensuring investment efficiency, harmonized benefits, compliance with Vietnamese law, and exploring opportunities for increased collaboration in third countries.
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Prime Minister Le Minh Hung meets S. Kudryashov, General Director of Zarubezhneft, on 17/6. Photo: VGP |
The Prime Minister proposed that Zarubezhneft consider partnering with Vietnamese energy companies to contribute to Vietnam's energy security, self-reliance, and economic development needs. He also expressed a desire for the corporation to closely coordinate with PVN/Vietsovpetro to research and finalize proposals for establishing wind power equipment manufacturing facilities and developing a supply chain in Vietnam.
Regarding the Rusvietpetro joint venture in Russia, the Prime Minister also urged Zarubezhneft to enhance its operations, including expanding its exploitation areas and acquiring new oil and gas fields and potential blocks adjacent to the Nenetsky region. This would maximize the utilization of existing infrastructure, technology, and personnel.
In response, General Director S. Kudryashov affirmed his commitment to continue working with PVN to implement the documents signed during General Secretary, President To Lam's visit to Russia in 5/2025.
S. Kudryashov proposed expanding cooperation with Vietnamese partners in new areas, including offshore wind power development and renewable energy projects.
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Prime Minister Le Minh Hung meets General Director of Rosatom A. Likhachev, on 17/6. Photo: VGP |
On the same day, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung met Alexey Likhachev, General Director of Rosatom, Russia's leading state nuclear energy corporation, which has collaborated with Vietnam for many years. The Prime Minister requested Rosatom to continue supporting the extension of the Da Lat reactor's operation during the transition phase and to endorse the implementation of the Nuclear Science and Technology Center in Dong Nai. He also expressed hope that the company would continue personnel training, increase equipment localization, and optimize investment costs for cooperative projects.
Alexey Likhachev affirmed that cooperation with Vietnam is one of Rosatom's top priorities. According to him, the signing of the agreement to build the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant holds historical significance in Vietnam-Russia relations. Rosatom is collaborating with Vietnamese partners to implement this project.
The General Director of Rosatom stated that the corporation is ready to support Vietnam in developing its nuclear industry, building a modern nuclear center, and training a team of high-quality experts. Beyond nuclear energy, both sides have significant potential for cooperation in renewable energy, high technology, logistics, and shipbuilding for the Arctic region.
By Phuong Dung
