Vietnam emphasizes safety in nuclear power program

Vietnam will prioritize safety in pursuing its nuclear programme in cooperation with Tokyo and other countries.

Russia and Vietnam signed a multi-billion-dollar deal in October for the Southeast Asian country's first nuclear power plant, while Vietnam and Japan plan to join forces to develop two other nuclear reactors.

Vietnam intends to put eight nuclear plants into operation over the next 20 years.

"Vietnam will cooperate closely with Japan and its partners to have the best plans for building nuclear power plants... and at the same time ensuring nuclear safety and environmental protection," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Nguyen Phuong Nga.