Vietnam leader To Lam meets Putin in Moscow

Vietnamese leader To Lam has wrapped up a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They agreed to strengthen ties in fields such as energy and security.

The talks took place on Wednesday in Moscow. The Vietnamese government says Putin described Vietnam as a "trusted and priority" partner in the Asia-Pacific. To Lam, who serves as both general secretary of the Communist Party and president, also described Russia as a partner of "top priority" in foreign policy.

The two leaders also announced plans to strengthen cooperation in the fields of science and technological innovation.

Reuters says state-run oil companies in both countries have agreed to launch a joint project for establishing strategic fuel reserves in Vietnam. The country faced an energy shortage when conflict broke out in the Middle East.

Putin and To Lam also reportedly discussed nuclear energy. The two sides reached a deal in March on the construction of what will be Vietnam's first nuclear plant.