The agreement between the governments of the Russian Federation and Laos on cooperation in the peaceful atom, signed on June 15, creates a legal framework for the construction of small modular reactors in the Asian state. This opinion was expressed by President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, which took place on the sidelines of the Russia — ASEAN summit in Kazan.

The Lao authorities are interested in deepening cooperation with Russia, the president emphasized. In addition to energy, this includes cooperation in industry, agriculture, mining, banking, tourism, and education. These issues were also discussed in early May at a meeting with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Moscow, Putin concluded.

Earlier, the head of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Laos, Oudet Souvannavong, stated that the government is exploring the possibility of building a nuclear power plant with Russia's help.

According to him, the level of production in Laos is growing, and there is a shortage of electricity. At the same time, the potential of renewable energy sources, including water, wind, and sun, is insufficient. Therefore, cooperation with Russia seems to be the most effective for Laos, Souvannavong concluded.