WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday approved a civilian nuclear deal with Vietnam that allows for U.S. export of civilian nuclear technology and facilities to the Southeast Asian nation.

In a memo to Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, the president said he has approved the proposed agreement for cooperation with Vietnam on peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and authorized Kerry to "arrange for its execution."

"I have determined that the performance of the agreement will promote, and will not constitute an unreasonable risk to, the common defense and security," Obama noted.

The U.S. Congress has 90 days to review the pact, which will go into effect if lawmakers do not act.

Under the deal reached in October, Vietnam pledged not to enrich its own uranium but to acquire what it needs on the international market instead.

Kerry said last year that Vietnam's nuclear-power program would grow to 50 billion U.S. dollars by 2030.