Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah warmly welcomed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit which he said marks a new turning point in Kuwait–Vietnam relations. He affirmed that Vietnam holds a strategic position in Kuwait’s foreign policy.

He highly valued the profound progress in bilateral cooperation over the past 49 years and expressed his hope that both sides would carry out meaningful activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

The Emir shared his heartfelt admiration for the Vietnamese people and expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation, viewing Vietnam’s interests as Kuwait’s interests. He stressed that Kuwait would always remember the support shown by the Vietnamese people in difficult times.

On this occasion, the Emir conveyed deep sympathy for the losses that Vietnam recently suffered due to natural disasters, including typhoons and floods.

The Emir suggested that both countries expand cooperation in economic, trade and investment areas, food security, and science and technology, while coordinating their positions on regional and international issues.

As the incumbent President of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Kuwait attaches great importance to enhancing ties between the GCC and Vietnam as well as ASEAN, regarding Vietnam as a strategic gateway for expanding cooperation with Southeast Asia, affirmed the Emir.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, for his part, recalled significant cooperation achievements over the years, noting that Kuwait is the largest ODA provider among the Gulf states for Vietnam. He highlighted the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Complex project, as well as Kuwait’s timely support of 600,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines during Vietnam’s most challenging period.

He affirmed both countries’ determination to deepen their traditional friendship and open a more dynamic, comprehensive and effective phase of cooperation toward the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.

The two leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, reflecting the aspirations and interests of both peoples.

The Prime Minister proposed further promoting political trust, enhancing high-level exchanges, expanding cooperation in energy and oil and gas, boosting investment, and encouraging the Kuwait Investment Authority to increase investments in Vietnam, particularly in the International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City.

He also highlighted the importance of stimulating trade, supporting early negotiations and signing of a Vietnam–GCC Free Trade Agreement, while accelerating discussions on a food security agreement and support for developing a Halal ecosystem in Vietnam.

The Prime Minister called for stronger cooperation in defense and security, including dual-use defence technologies such as UAV equipment and cybersecurity collaboration, as well as deeper cooperation in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

He underscored the potential for expanding tourism, people-to-people exchanges, labour cooperation, culture, sports, and education and training. Vietnam, he said, stands ready to work closely with Kuwait to contribute to peace and reconstruction efforts in the Middle East.

Both leaders agreed on the importance of reinforcing political trust and strengthening consultations and coordination on regional and international issues for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and development.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh conveyed an invitation from Party General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong for the Emir to visit Vietnam. The Emir gladly accepted the invitation and expressed his wish to visit Vietnam soon.

PM Pham Minh Chinh warmly welcomed in Kuwait on official visit

VOV.VN - Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al Sabah hosted a welcoming ceremony for Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other officials in the Vietnamese delegation on an official visit to Kuwait, at the Royal Bayan Palace in Kuwait City, on November 17.