ANKARA

Russia and Vietnam have agreed to "promptly" negotiate and sign agreements on building nuclear power plants in the Southeast Asian nation, and elevate the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to "a new level in terms of quality," local media reported on Monday.

"The two sides agreed to promptly negotiate and sign intergovernmental agreements on the construction of nuclear power plants in Vietnam, ensuring the application of advanced technology and strict compliance with regulations on nuclear and radiation safety serving socio-economic development," Vietnam Pictorial News reported, citing a joint statement issued by the two countries.

The statement followed a visit to Moscow by Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam.

"The development of the plants with advanced technology will strictly be compliant with nuclear and radiation safety regulations and for the benefit of socio-economic development," the statement further said.

Vietnam has resumed plans to develop nuclear power plants that were suspended nearly a decade ago, as part of its efforts to increase its power generation capacity to support its fast-growing economy.

The two sides stressed the need to improve the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the intergovernmental committee on economy-trade and sci-tech cooperation, as well as the defense strategy dialogue.

Both sides affirmed that the defense-security cooperation continues to be an important pillar of bilateral relations.

"Joint work in this field is not aimed against a third country and is completely in line with the principles and regulations of international law, contributing to ensuring security and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific and the world," the statement added.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen collaboration in the energy and oil-gas industries, including Russia’s supply and processing of crude oil and liquefied gas for Vietnam.

Vietnam and Russia also agreed to strengthen close and effective cooperation in the fields of mining industry, transport, shipbuilding and machinery manufacturing, railway modernization, and the expansion of transport corridors between the two countries to boost trade and investment.