Russia is to help Belarus build its first nuclear power plant as part of a series of energy agreements signed in Minsk on Tuesday.
Russian contractor Atomstroiexport will do most of the construction work.
The agreement was signed during Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's talks with his Belarusian counterpart Mikhail Myasnikovich.
Putin said Russian would ensure the safety of the plant.
"We now have a whole arsenal of progressive technological means to ensure the stable accident-free work of nuclear power plants," he said.
MINSK, March 15 (RIA Novosti)