Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (standing left) and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin witness the signing of the agreement.  --Photo Dmitry Astakhov/POOL/TASS

Laos, Russia sign peaceful nuclear energy deal, pledge stronger trade ties

The Lao and Russian governments have signed an agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and have stepped up plans to expand bilateral trade and investment.
The signing ceremony took place at the House of the Government of the Russian Federation during Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s official visit to Russia from June 14-17.
The agreement was signed by Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev and Laos’ Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith, in the presence of the prime ministers of both countries, Sonexay Siphandone and Mikhail Mishustin, the TASS news agency reported, citing the press service of Rosatom.
The signing opens up the possibility for the construction of a Russian-designed nuclear power plant in Laos.
As an initial step, it is proposed to conduct a preliminary feasibility study to assess how a future nuclear power plant could be integrated into Laos’ energy system.
The study will determine the project configuration and identify potential locations for the plant, which will give the Lao side the opportunity to make an informed decision on the nuclear energy development programme.
The agreement was among several initiatives aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between Laos and Russia.
Speaking on the sidelines of bilateral talks, Russian Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Faizullin, who co-chairs the Russia-Laos Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, said relations between Laos and Russia continue to develop positively.
He noted that bilateral trade nearly doubled over the past year, reflecting expanding cooperation across a range of sectors.
Russia is seeking to broaden trade with Laos by increasing exports of food products, mineral fertilisers and engineering goods, while importing more Lao rubber, coffee and textiles, Tass quoted Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov as saying.
Mr Reshetnikov also highlighted Laos’ significant bauxite reserves, which could support cooperation with Russia’s aluminium industry.
In addition, the two sides discussed the possibility of launching direct flights to boost tourism, business exchanges, and people-to-people links.
Prime Minister Sonexay is currently on an official visit to Russia, during which both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding cooperation and exploring new opportunities in energy, trade, infrastructure, tourism, and human resource development.
In recent years, the two countries have agreed to expand cooperation across a broad range of sectors, including trade, energy, education, defence and culture, as part of efforts to strengthen their strategic partnership.
Bilateral trade increased by 65 percent to reach US$23.8 million in 2024. Beyond trade, cooperation has expanded into areas such as defence, UXO clearance, hospital renovation, and cultural exchanges.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update June 17, 2026)