Vietnam’s Prime Minister will join the upcoming summit on nuclear security in Washington, DC this April, demonstrating the close relationship between the two countries, noted US Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak.

Speaking with BBC, Michalak explained that PM Nguyen Tan Dung will hold sideline talks with the US to promote comprehensive cooperation. This year the two countries will mark their 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

In late March, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Previously, agencies of the two countries signed other agreements with similar content.

“This is an agreement between the two governments and it allows us to not only cooperate in security and safety, but also discuss necessary demands or factors in nuclear power in Vietnam,” detailed the US Ambassador. He added that the US is willing to help Vietnam build and manage nuclear piles.

Vietnam’s need for energy is estimated to rise 16 percent annually from now to 2015, requiring new sources of energy.

Vietnam signed agreements on nuclear cooperation with Russia, China, France, South Korea, India and Argentina. Last November, the National Assembly approved construction of the first nuclear power plant in Ninh Thuan province.

In PM Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to Russia last year, Vietnam and Russia signed a contract to build the first nuclear power plant in Vietnam in 2014.