THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Government News
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh embarks on official visit to Kuwait
VGP - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his entourage arrived at Kuwait international airport on November 16 noon (local time), beginning his three-day official visit to the Middle Eastern country at the invitation of his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al Sabah.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) and his spouse arrive at Kuwait international airport - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Kuwait is the first leg of Prime Minister Pham's tour to three countries, including Algeria and South Africa. This is the first visit by a Vietnamese Prime Minister to Kuwait in 16 years, and timed a head of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries (January 10) next year.
Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
The Prime Minister was was welcomed at the airport by Kuwait Prime Minister's Advisor Basel Humood AL Sabah, who is also a member of the royal family; Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Amthal Al Huwaila; and Ambassador of Kuwait to Viet Nam Yousef Ashour Al-Sabbagh. The Vietnamese side included Vietnamese Ambassador to Kuwait Nguyen Duc Thang, embassy staff and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Kuwait.
This is the first visit by a Vietnamese Prime Minister to Kuwait in 16 years, and timed a head of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries (January 10) next year.
Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Over nearly five decades, Viet Nam and Kuwait have enjoyed strong and positive development. The two countries have maintained regular high-level visits and exchanges, as well as bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Kuwait is currently Viet Nam's largest trading and investment partner among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Bilateral trade reached US$7.3 billion last year. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) is partnering with Japan in the US$9 billion Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC, committing to supply crude oil on a long-term basis.
The two countries have also maintained cooperation in other areas. They have established several locality-to-locality agreements, including those between Ho Chi Minh City and Ahmadi province, and between Thanh Hoa and Al Farwaniyah provinces.
In addition, the two sides have cooperated closely and supported each other at multilateral forums.
During the trip, the Vietnamese Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, hold talks with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and receive several ministers and executives of major Kuwaiti conglomerates. The Vietnamese Government leader will visit several socio-economic establishments and deliver a speech at the Kuwait Diplomatic Institute.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) meets with staff of Vietnamese representative offices and the Vietnamese community, Kuwait, November 16, 2025 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse Le Thi Bich Tran, and a high-ranking delegation of Vietn Nam met with staff of Vietnamese representative offices and the Vietnamese community in Kuwait on the evening of November 16 (local time).
The Party and State said the Government leader have rolled out a wide range of policies for overseas Vietnamese to protect their rights and interests and ensure the greatest possible convenience for them.
He requested relevant ministries and agencies—particularly Vietnamese embassies, including the one in Kuwait—establish effective communication channels for the community, enabling members to stay connected and seek support when needed. The Government leader also pledged to encourage Kuwaiti leaders to continue creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live, work, and integrate stably.
Pham also instructed domestic authorities to take stronger actions to address the legitimate needs of overseas Vietnamese. He underscored the importance of opening a direct air route between VietNam and Kuwait, introducing more open and convenient visa policies, providing information on investment, trade, and tourism promotion, and tapping into opportunities in the Halal market.
He called on the community to remain united, build a strong and reputable presence abroad, preserve and promote Vietnamese cultural identity and language, and strive for excellence in work and study to contribute to national development./.