The talks took place within the framework of PM Chinh’s State visit to Kuwait, following official welcoming ceremonies and meetings with the Amir and Crown Prince of Kuwait at Bayan Palace.

PM Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah welcomed his Vietnamese counterpart’s visit, describing it an important milestone that will inject new momentum into cooperation. He praised Vietnam’s socio-economic progress and its growing role in promoting peace and development in the Asia–Pacific and beyond.

PM Chinh thanked Kuwait for its warm reception and affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to its long-standing friendship with Kuwait, the first Middle Eastern nation to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1976.

Both leaders highlighted the remarkable progress recorded over nearly five decades of cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, energy, education and labour. They agreed to strengthen high-level delegation exchanges, improve the mechanisms of the Inter-Governmental Committee and Political Consultation, and expand cooperation in defence and security, including cybersecurity and responses to non-traditional security challenges.

The two sides reaffirmed economic cooperation as the central pillar of the relationship and agreed to work toward raising two-way trade to US$12–15 billion by 2030. Vietnam proposed accelerating negotiations for the Vietnam–Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement and suggested considering a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Kuwait.

Both sides pledged to enhance the efficiency of the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Complex Project on the basis of harmonised benefits and shared risks, viewing it as a symbol of strategic cooperation and a key contributor to energy security.

PM Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah welcomed Vietnamese proposals for investment cooperation, including in petroleum services and human-resource supply, and encouraged Kuwaiti enterprises and the Kuwait Investment Authority to increase large-scale investments in Vietnam. He also instructed the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to strengthen development cooperation with Vietnam, and suggested early signing of an air services agreement and exploring direct flights.

The two leaders recognised significant room for cooperation in food security and agricultural production. Vietnam proposed negotiating a long-term agreement on strategic commodities, including rice, to support Kuwait’s food security, while Kuwait expressed interest in investing in agricultural production in Vietnam to serve markets in Kuwait and the wider region.

The sides also agreed to promote cooperation in digital transformation, innovation, renewable energy, education and training, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Kuwait committed to granting more scholarships to Vietnamese students, particularly in STEM fields.

The two Prime Ministers consented to enhance coordination at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council. They stressed that disputes must be resolved peacefully in line with international law and the UN Charter.

Kuwait welcomed Vietnam’s readiness to cooperate in humanitarian and post-conflict reconstruction efforts in the Middle East.

Following their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a Protocol amending the Agreement on Visa Exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports, and a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and Kuwait’s Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets Emir of Kuwait

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on November 17 met with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, at Bayan Palace in Kuwait City, as part of his official visit to Kuwait.