Vietnam and Kuwait have agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, paving the way for expanded cooperation in trade, energy and defense.
On November 17, at Bayan Palace in Kuwait’s capital, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Photo: VNA
Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad emphasized that the visit of PM Pham Minh Chinh marked a historic milestone, injecting new momentum into the multifaceted friendship and cooperation between the two nations as they embark on a new phase of development.
The two leaders praised the growing and strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, energy, education, labor, and development cooperation. Kuwait has emerged as one of Vietnam’s top trading and development partners in the Middle East.
Acknowledging this new phase with enhanced potential and shared determination, both prime ministers agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
The two sides pledged to boost cooperation in security and defense, including sharing experience and jointly addressing cybersecurity and non-traditional security threats.
Both leaders reaffirmed that economic, trade and investment cooperation remains a key pillar of bilateral relations, setting a goal of increasing bilateral trade turnover to over USD 12–15 billion by 2030.
Vietnam urged Kuwait to accelerate negotiations and signing of the Vietnam-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and proposed the initiation of talks for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) between Vietnam and Kuwait.
Photo: TTXVN
They also committed to closely collaborating to enhance the efficiency and expand the operations of the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical project, under the spirit of “harmonizing interests and sharing risks.” The project is seen as a strategic symbol of bilateral cooperation, contributing significantly to both countries’ energy security.
Additionally, Vietnam expressed its readiness to provide oil and gas services and high-quality labor for projects in Kuwait, and to expand cooperation into new ventures, especially the construction of fuel storage and transit facilities in Vietnam.
Kuwait welcomed investment opportunities in Vietnam and pledged to encourage the Kuwait Investment Authority and other Kuwaiti investors to implement major strategic projects in the country. The Kuwaiti side also proposed the early signing of an air transport agreement and the exploration of direct flight routes.
Highlighting the potential for food security cooperation, the Kuwaiti Prime Minister revealed plans to study the establishment of agricultural processing plants in Vietnam for exports to Kuwait and the broader region. PM Pham Minh Chinh proposed negotiating a long-term framework agreement for strategic commodities, including rice, to ensure Kuwait’s food security, and implementing development projects to support the Halal ecosystem in Vietnam.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Photo: VNA
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed Vietnam’s openness and full support for Kuwaiti funds and enterprises, and encouraged the Kuwait Investment Authority to invest in an international financial center in Vietnam.
Kuwait also committed to expanding scholarships for Vietnamese students in fields such as STEM and basic sciences. Both sides agreed to co-organize “Vietnam Days in Kuwait” and “Kuwait Days in Vietnam” in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties (1976–2026), and to explore the possibility of mutual visa exemptions.
As one of the largest humanitarian aid contributors to Gaza and Syria, Kuwait welcomed Vietnam’s collaboration in reconstruction efforts across the Middle East.
During his audience with Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his gratitude for the Emir’s support and direct guidance in strengthening the bilateral relationship and facilitating the success of this visit.
The Prime Minister reiterated key milestones in Vietnam–Kuwait relations, including mutual support at multilateral forums and Kuwait’s status as the leading provider of ODA from the Gulf region to Vietnam.
The Emir of Kuwait shared his admiration for Vietnam’s beautiful landscapes, four-season charm, and kind-hearted people. He expressed a strong desire to partner with Vietnam, seeing Vietnam’s interests as aligned with those of Kuwait.
Both leaders agreed to strategically elevate bilateral relations, reflecting the aspirations and interests of their peoples.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Photo: VNA
The Emir confirmed that, as President of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Kuwait places high priority on strengthening cooperation between the GCC, Vietnam and ASEAN. He viewed Vietnam as a strategic gateway for expanding ties with Southeast Asia.
PM Pham Minh Chinh encouraged the Emir to direct Kuwaiti investment bodies to increase their presence in Vietnam, particularly in the development of the international financial center in Ho Chi Minh City, and to vigorously promote bilateral trade.
He also called for enhanced cooperation in defense and security, especially in the development of dual-use defense technologies such as UAVs, and participation in each other’s defense exhibitions.
Vietnamnet.vn
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