Russia deepens nuclear energy ties with ASEAN, signs Laos framework

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that recent decisions at the Russia‑ASEAN summit in Kazan set a clear direction for cooperation on food security, energy security and digital transformation. He highlighted positive prospects for joint work with ASEAN, describing the bloc as a reliable partner.

Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear corporation, signed a framework inter‑governmental agreement with Laos to develop peaceful nuclear energy. The pact foresees a feasibility study for a small modular reactor (SMR) RITM‑200, the latest link in Rosatom's expanding ASEAN portfolio. Vietnam was noted as the most advanced ASEAN partner, having already signed a nuclear power plant agreement.

Russia views ASEAN’s rapid growth in electricity demand – projected to triple by 2050 – as a strategic market for its nuclear technology, and the Laos agreement marks the newest step in that outreach.