Agreement on the upgrade of the bilateral ties was reached during the talks between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah in Kuwait City, on November 17.

During the talks between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh
Chinh and  his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh
Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah in Kuwait City on November 17, the two sides agreed
to upgrade the countries’ relations to a strategic partnership, while outlining
major orientations to advance Vietnam – Kuwait relations in a stronger, more
comprehensive, and sustainable manner,  according
to a report from the Government News.

The Kuwaiti Prime Minister welcomed Prime Minister Chinh and
the high-ranking delegation of Vietnam, 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 Vietnam’s impressive development achievements
and expressed confidence that with its rising international profile, Vietnam
will continue contributing actively to peace, cooperation, and development in
the Asia-Pacific and globally.

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

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 Vietnam in the Middle East.

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 $12–15 billion by 2030.

Vietnam proposed that Kuwait expedite negotiations on a free
trade agreement between Vietnam and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and consider
discussions on a Vietnam – 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.

Vietnam 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 Vietnam.

The Kuwaiti Prime Minister emphasised the importance of a
multifaceted relationship with Vietnam. 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 Vietnam, and pledged to encourage the Kuwait Public Investment Fund and
other Kuwaiti investors to carry out major, strategic projects in Vietnam. 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 Chinh 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 Vietnam. He affirmed that Vietnam welcomes and provides all
necessary support for Kuwaiti investment funds and businesses, including
inviting the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) to invest in Vietnam’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 “Vietnam Days in Kuwait” and “Kuwait Day in Vietnam” 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 Vietnam’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 Vietnam and Kuwait, and a memorandum of
cooperation between the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam under Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Kuwait Diplomatic Institute under
Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

VGP-Khanh Van