Viet Nam, Russia expand energy cooperation

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of the Viet Nam–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reviewed progress in bilateral energy cooperation, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Novak highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the two countries, describing Vietsovpetro and Rusvietpetro as symbols of successful collaboration, and called for effective implementation of the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant project.

Pham affirmed that energy and oil and gas remain traditional areas of strategic cooperation between the two countries. He proposed that enterprises from both sides strengthen cooperation in gas-fired power, wind power and other energy projects in line with the development priorities of Viet Nam and Russia.

The two sides agreed to support joint ventures in exploring new cooperation opportunities, address outstanding issues in existing projects, and accelerate the development of new energy initiatives.

Beglov praised Viet Nam's recent development achievements and expressed confidence in the country's future growth under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam.

The Saint Petersburg governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening relations with Vietnamese localities, promoting cultural exchanges and people-to-people diplomacy, and supporting the Vietnamese community living, working and studying in the city.

Three major directions for SPIEF cooperation

Earlier, at the opening session of the 29th Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), focusing on connectivity, technological adaptation and resilience. Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc proposed three major directions for cooperation to help ensure a stable future for the region and the world.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister Pham, when the world faces volatility and uncertainty, dialogue and cooperation remain an effective way to narrow differences, strengthen trust and create new momentum for future development.

First, strengthening the stability and effectiveness of cooperation frameworks. Countries should enhance connectivity rather than separation, maintain a free, open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based trade and investment environment, strengthen essential supply chains, and create conditions for developing countries to gain more equitable access to markets, technology and development resources. 

Pham noted that the Eurasian region is increasingly affirming its role as a strategic bridge linking major growth centers and serves as an important driver of regional and global economic connectivity. He affirmed that Viet Nam wishes and stands ready to contribute actively to efforts to enhance connectivity between ASEAN and Eurasian partners for peace, stability and shared prosperity.

Second, enhancing the capacity to adapt to rapid advances in science and technology. Digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, need to serve as a driver of productivity, innovation and inclusive development rather than creating new technological divides. 

Greater cooperation is needed in science, technology and innovation, along with harmonized technological standards, expanded knowledge-sharing and high-quality workforce training, and stronger support for developing countries to participate more effectively in the digital economy.

Third, strengthening resilience and responsiveness to global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, pandemics and other non-traditional security risks. 

The Deputy Prime Minister said this requires closer coordination among countries, particularly in forecasting, response efforts, experience-sharing, technology transfer and financial support. 

Development strategies must place people at the center and recognize them as the primary beneficiaries and drivers of development, ensuring that every country and every individual is better able to adapt, become more self-reliant and share in the benefits of sustainable development./.