Gov’t chief meets foreign ambassadors to seek support for energy security

During his meeting with Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki, the Prime Minister proposed that Japan consider supplying crude oil from its reserves for Nghi Son refinery and petrochemical complex, one of the two refineries operating in Viet Nam.

The host leader noted that such support would help stabilize energy supply and reduce adverse impacts on businesses in both countries. He also called on Japan to assist in restructuring the refinery and facilitate Viet Nam's access to part of the roughly 80 million barrels of oil Tokyo is considering releasing to ease global fuel price pressures.

The Government leader welcomed Japan's ongoing cooperation in major energy projects, including the Block B gas project and the O Mon III thermal power plant, while urging faster progress on the O Mon II project to align with future gas exploitation plans. He further highlighted challenges in aviation fuel supply and expressed hope that Japan would enable Viet Nam to procure fuel from its reserves, reinforcing cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In reply, Ambassador Ito acknowledged the global economic impacts of Middle East tensions and affirmed that Japan is actively coordinating with Vietnamese authorities to address energy challenges.

He pledged to convey the Prime Minister's proposals to Tokyo, noting that Japan has already decided to release oil reserves and is encouraging other G7 members to follow suit.

Japan is also considering measures to diversify crude supply, restructure the Nghi Son Refinery, accelerate the Block B – O Mon project, and support LNG power development under the Asia Zero Emission Community initiative.

The Ambassador also reaffirmed Japan's commitment to supporting Viet Nam's development, particularly in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and green transition, while promoting broader cooperation through economic forums, education initiatives, and next-generation ODA for infrastructure projects such as metro systems.

Qatar urged to ensure LNG supply to Viet Nam

In his meeting with Qatari Ambassador Khalid Ali Abdullah Abel, the Prime Minister emphasized Viet Nam's readiness to work with Qatar to promote peace and stability through dialogue and cooperation.

Pham called for expanded collaboration across multiple sectors and urged progress in negotiations for a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

He also encouraged Qatari investment in key areas, including financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, and sought support for developing Viet Nam's Halal industry.

On bilateral ties, the Prime Minister called for close coordination to implement outcomes of his March 9 phone talks with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jasim Al-Thani. Key priorities include ensuring LNG supply to Viet Nam when conditions allow, facilitating access to Qatar's overseas oil and gas reserves, and exploring the development of regional energy storage facilities in Viet Nam.

In reply, Ambassador Khalid welcomed Viet Nam's constructive approach and expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, noting that both sides should pursue deeper cooperation once regional tensions subside.

Spurring energy cooperation with UAE after high-level talks

Meanwhile, during the reception for UAE Ambassador Bader Abdullah Almatrooshi, Prime Minister Pham highlighted the growing partnership between Viet Nam and the UAE, now the Southeast Asian nation's largest trading partner in the Middle East.

He called for close coordination to implement high-level agreements, including ensuring stable oil and gas supplies, advancing plans to upgrade bilateral ties, and promoting cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and high technology.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of accelerating negotiations for a Viet Nam–GCC free trade agreement and expanding cooperation in finance, logistics, labor, and tourism. He expressed confidence that ongoing collaboration would help mitigate the impact of regional instability and contribute to long-term growth.

Ambassador Almatrooshi praised recent high-level exchanges and reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthening cooperation, particularly in energy supply, investment in financial centers, and major projects in technology and infrastructure. He also pledged to expedite FTA negotiations and work towards raising bilateral trade to US$10 billion in the near future./.