The Kuwaiti Prime Minister personally welcomed the Vietnamese delegation, leading them along a red carpet to the official stand, where the national anthems of both countries were played.

This marks the first official visit to Kuwait in 16 years by a Vietnamese Prime Minister, ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1976-2026).

After nearly five decades, Vietnam-Kuwait relations have grown steadily with regular high-level exchanges and bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Kuwait is currently Vietnam’s largest trade and investment partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council, with bilateral trade reaching US$7.3 billion in 2024. Kuwait has engaged in the US$9 billion Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Complex.

Local cooperation has also been established, such as between Ho Chi Minh City – Al Ahmadi Province and Thanh Hoa Province – Al Farwaniyah Province.

During this visit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will hold talks and meetings with the King, Prime Minister, and Crown Prince of Kuwait; visit economic facilities; meet with major companies; and deliver a policy speech at the Kuwait Diplomatic Academy.

Both sides aim to agree on directions and measures for deeper cooperation in areas such as oil and gas, energy, food security, Halal products, direct flights, trade, investment, tourism, business networking, and people-to-people exchanges. Vietnam can serve as Kuwait’s gateway to Southeast Asia, while Kuwait helps Vietnam access the Middle Eastern market.

Vietnam and Kuwait pledge to support each other at international forums, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity for both countries, their regions, and the world at large.

Major milestones in Vietnam-Kuwait friendship relations over nearly 5 decades

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is paying an official visit to Kuwait from November 16 to 18, marking the first to Kuwait by a Vietnamese PM in 16 years, and coming ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries (January 1976 – January 2026).