As part of an active series of high-level diplomatic engagements, this mission holds significant importance both bilaterally and multilaterally.

South Africa, the host of the 2025 G20 Summit, is the largest economy in Africa and a key member of the BRICS bloc. Algeria, currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2024–2025 term, maintains one of the most profound relationships with Vietnam in the region. Kuwait is serving as the 2025 Chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

On the bilateral front, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang affirmed that Vietnam enjoys strong, friendly, and cooperative relations with Kuwait, Algeria, and South Africa.

This trip is a chance for Vietnam to enhance connectivity with three strategic destinations in the region. It aims not only to elevate and deepen Vietnam’s ties with these nations but also to shape a new vision for Vietnam's engagement with the Middle East–Africa region.

Vietnam and all three countries share a renewed sense of purpose on their development journeys. Nations in the Middle East–Africa region regard Vietnam as a model of successful reform and growth and as a country increasingly contributing to global affairs with responsibility and initiative.

The Prime Minister’s visit sends a clear message about Vietnam’s high regard for strengthening ties with its partners and the region. It promises to usher in a new phase of deeper, more strategic, and practical cooperation.

Prime Minister to propose key initiatives at G20

On the multilateral front, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang noted that this marks the second consecutive year Vietnam has been invited to attend the G20 Summit.

According to the Deputy Minister, the invitation reflects strong recognition of Vietnam's growing international prestige and influence, as well as high regard from G20 members for Vietnam's development achievements and its active, responsible contributions to global issues.

Participation in the G20 provides Vietnam with an opportunity to reaffirm its consistent foreign policy of being a reliable partner in the international community and a willing contributor to solving global challenges.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will present key assessments and proposals to help shape a fair, inclusive, and sustainable international economic order and global economic governance system. On the sidelines of the summit, he will also meet with leaders of various countries and international organizations.

South Africa was the first African country to establish a partnership for cooperation and development with Vietnam. Kuwait was the first GCC member to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1976. Algeria has long been a traditional and loyal friend of Vietnam throughout the 65 years of diplomatic relations, consistently offering support and solidarity.

In terms of politics, Vietnam has built strong foundations of trust with all three countries, forming a solid basis for advancing bilateral cooperation in the future.

In economic terms, South Africa, Kuwait, and Algeria are all major trade partners for Vietnam in the Middle East–Africa region.

South Africa is Vietnam's largest trading partner in Africa. Kuwait is one of Vietnam’s top commercial partners in the Middle East and an important partner in official development assistance (ODA) and energy. Algeria holds significant investment potential, exemplified by the highly successful Bir Seba oil project operated by PetroVietnam Exploration Production Corporation (PVEP) in Algeria.

Cooperation in other sectors - including defense, security, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation - has also yielded notable results.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang emphasized that the Prime Minister’s trip is expected to elevate Vietnam’s relations with these countries to a new level, producing tangible outcomes in trade, investment, industry, minerals, logistics, green supply chains, and innovation.

“We aim to establish priority corridors that facilitate smooth flows of capital, technology, goods, and skilled labor, creating new opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in key sectors,” she noted.

“In addition, we will promote people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, labor, and tourism, as well as foster connections with the Vietnamese diaspora in these three countries.”

At the G20 Summit, invited by South Africa as the G20 President, the Prime Minister will deliver a policy address focusing on several key areas, contributing to global efforts to promote economic growth, reduce risks, and strengthen cooperation in strategic sectors such as minerals, energy, trade system reform, global finance, and investment.

Tran Thuong