Viet Nam, Kuwait upgrade ties to strategic partnership

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah in Kuwait City on November 17, during which the two sides agreed to upgrade the countries' relations to a strategic partnership.

The Kuwaiti Prime Minister welcomed Prime Minister Pham and the high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam, describing the visit as a historic milestone that injects new momentum into bilateral relations, opening up a phase of deeper, more substantive, and effective cooperation.

He commended Viet Nam's impressive development achievements and expressed confidence that with its rising international profile, Viet Nam will continue contributing actively to peace, cooperation, and development in the Asia-Pacific and globally.

Prime Minister Pham congratulated Kuwait on its progress in economic model transformation and sustainable development as it advances towards the goals of Vision 2035, affirming that Viet Nam always treasures the friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Kuwait – the first Middle Eastern country to establish diplomatic ties with Viet Nam, in 1976.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Pham invited his host to pay an official visit to Viet Nam and conveyed the greetings and invitations from General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and other Kuwaiti leaders.

The two leaders noted that over nearly five decades of cooperation, bilateral ties have continuously expanded across trade, investment, energy, education, labour, and development assistance. Kuwait has become one of the leading trade partners and an important development partner of Viet Nam in the Middle East.

The two Prime Ministers agreed to elevate their countries' relations to the Strategic Partnership while outlining major orientations to advance Viet Nam – Kuwait relations in a stronger, more comprehensive, and sustainable manner. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of shared concern.

Both sides agreed to increase mutual visits at all levels, especially high-level ones; strengthen the existing cooperation mechanisms, including the Inter-governmental Committee and the political consultation; and establish new specialised working groups such as a joint working group on digital transformation to promote cooperation in all fields.

They also agreed to step up cooperation in security and defence, including experience-sharing and response to cybersecurity and non-traditional security challenges.

The two Prime Ministers identified economic, trade, and investment cooperation as an important pillar of the bilateral relationship, and agreed to strive for two-way trade of US$12–15 billion by 2030.

Viet Nam proposed that Kuwait expedite negotiations on a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and consider discussions on a Viet Nam – Kuwait comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA).

They pledged close coordination to expand the Nghi Son refinery and petrochemical project on the basis of “harmonised interests and shared risks" and consider this as a symbol of the Strategic Partnership, thus contributing to the energy security of both countries.

Viet Nam affirmed its readiness to provide oil and gas services and skilled personnel for projects in Kuwait, while promoting cooperation in new initiatives, including the development of petroleum reserve and transshipment facilities in Viet Nam.

The Kuwaiti Prime Minister emphasised the importance of a multifaceted relationship with Viet Nam. Acknowledging that ample room remains to expand cooperation between the two countries, particularly under the recently upgraded Strategic Partnership framework, he welcomed investment opportunities in Viet Nam, and pledged to encourage the Kuwait Public Investment Fund and other Kuwaiti investors to carry out major, strategic projects in Viet Nam. He directed the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to continue promoting ODA initiatives aligned with the interests of both countries. The Kuwaiti leader proposed that the two sides finalise an air transport agreement and explore direct flight routes between the two nations.

Highlighting the potential for cooperation in food security, the Kuwaiti Prime Minister said he would promote investment in building an agricultural production plant in Viet Nam for export to Kuwait and regional countries.

Prime Minister Pham suggested negotiating a long-term framework agreement on strategic commodities, including rice, to ensure Kuwait’s food security and implement projects supporting the development of the Halal ecosystem in Viet Nam. He affirmed that Viet Nam welcomes and provides all necessary support for Kuwaiti investment funds and businesses, including inviting the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) to invest in Viet Nam's International Financial Centre.

Beyond economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to expand collaboration in emerging areas such as science and technology, digital transformation, innovation, cybersecurity, renewable energy, education and training, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Both Prime Ministers concurred to make educational and cultural cooperation a sustainable foundation for long-term friendship between the two nations.

The Kuwaiti Prime Minister pledged to expand scholarships for Vietnamese students in new fields, such as STEM and basic sciences, and agreed to jointly organise “Viet Nam Days in Kuwait” and “Kuwait Day in Viet Nam” to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties (1976–2026). The two sides also discussed the possibility of visa exemptions for citizens of both countries.

On regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two Prime Ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation in regional and global multilateral mechanisms, such as the United Nations (UN), the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). They shared a common vision on resolving disputes by peaceful means, in line with international law and the UN Charter. As one of the largest humanitarian donors to Gaza and Syria, Kuwait welcomed Viet Nam’s coordination in implementing in reconstruction activities in the Middle East.

Following the talks, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of a protocol amending the Agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders between Viet Nam and Kuwait, and a memorandum of cooperation between the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam under Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Kuwait Diplomatic Institute under Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs./.