The Ambassador shared these insights in an exclusive interview granted to VOV.

VOV: Dear Excellency. Firstly, how do you assess the development of the friendship between Vietnam and Kuwait over the past three decades?

Ambassador Yousef Ashour Al-sabbagh: The friendly relations and cooperation between the State of Kuwait and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have witnessed rapid and balanced development across various fields and levels over the past three decades. Diplomatic relations between our two countries were established on the foundations of mutual respect and shared interests, and these relations have deepened over the years to include cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, education, and development.

Kuwait views Vietnam as a reliable partner and friend in Southeast Asia and is proud of the distinguished level our bilateral relations have reached, both at the governmental and people levels. We believe that the coming period will witness further fruitful cooperation, especially given the shared desire to strengthen bilateral relations between our two countries in a way that achieves mutual benefit for our two friendly peoples.

VOV: Vietnam and Kuwait still have numerous potential areas for cooperation that meet the interests of both countries, including traditional and renewable energy, digital transformation and cybersecurity, food security, human resource development, and tourism. Could you share what new opportunities have arisen following Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit?

Ambassador Yousef Ashour Al-sabbagh: The upcoming visit of His Excellency Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, to the State of Kuwait from November 16-18, 2025, represents a significant milestone in bilateral relations between our two friendly countries and an opportunity to deepen cooperation in strategic areas that serve our mutual interests.

We expect this visit to open new opportunities for the existing partnership between the State of Kuwait and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, particularly in vital sectors of mutual interest such as energy, food security, and others.

We also believe that direct dialogue between the leaderships of our two countries will help in identifying priorities for future cooperation and establishing practical mechanisms to strengthen existing relations between Kuwait and Vietnam, especially as both countries prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026.

We are confident that Kuwaiti-Vietnamese relations, thanks to shared political will and a converging vision for sustainable development, will steadily progress towards a new, more comprehensive and prosperous phase that will benefit our two friendly peoples.

VOV: Over the past 30 years, since its signing the Vietnam–Kuwait Trade Agreement (May 1995) has continued to play an important role as a bridge promoting trade relations between the two countries. On this occasion, are there any new agreements expected to be signed between Vietnam and Kuwait?

Ambassador Yousef Ashour Al-sabbagh: Since the signing of the trade agreement between the State of Kuwait and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in May 1995, this agreement has formed a fundamental framework for enhancing trade exchange and expanding areas of economic cooperation between our two countries. For three decades, the agreement has proven its effectiveness in supporting bilateral relations and encouraging the public and private sectors to build fruitful partnerships.

Kuwait is currently Vietnam's largest trading partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In 2024, bilateral trade between our two countries reached over US$7.3 billion, marking a 24% increase compared to 2023.

The Nghi Son Refinery project, a joint venture between Kuwait, Japan, and Vietnam, is a shining example of successful multilateral cooperation in the energy sector, contributing to the deepening of investment and trade partnerships between Kuwait and Vietnam.

Regarding the agreements to be signed during the Vietnamese Prime Minister's visit to Kuwait, we emphasise the importance of strengthening the legal framework established by existing agreements between our two friendly countries. This visit is expected to culminate in several agreements, which will be announced during the visit. We reiterate that these agreements will contribute to enhancing bilateral relations between our two countries in various fields.

VOV: Kuwait Airways is planning to open a direct flight route to Vietnam. Could you please provide us with more information about this plan, Excellency?

Ambassador Yousef Ashour Al-sabbagh: Regarding the proposal to open a direct flight route between our two countries, we greatly appreciate the importance of having a direct air way between the State of Kuwait and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Although this matter is still under consideration by the relevant authorities in both countries, we welcome any initiative that contributes to facilitating the movement of people and goods and enhances trade and tourism. Once an agreement is reached, we will be honored to announce it officially at that time.

VOV: Thank you so much for the interview.

PM to visit Kuwait, Algeria, and attend G20 Summit in South Africa

VOV.VN - Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse together with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation will make official visits to Kuwait and Algeria, and attend the G20 Summit in South Africa from November 16–24, 2025.