During a phone call on the afternoon of 9/3, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah agreed to coordinate with relevant partners to consider continuing crude oil supply to Vietnam. He also concurred on boosting energy cooperation between the two countries moving forward, following discussions with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

During the call, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed deep concern over the current conflict in the Middle East, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He called on Kuwait and other involved countries to exercise restraint, promote efforts to de-escalate tensions, and seek a peaceful solution for the region. This solution, he emphasized, should be based on respect for international law, the United Nations Charter, and ensuring the legitimate rights of all parties. Vietnam stands ready to contribute actively to this process.

Prime Minister Chinh also requested the Kuwaiti government continue to ensure the security and safety of Vietnamese citizens in Kuwait, facilitating evacuation activities if necessary. In response, the Kuwaiti prime minister highly appreciated Vietnam's role, goodwill, and responsibility in contributing to finding peace in the Middle East. He pledged to coordinate in ensuring the safety of Vietnamese citizens in Kuwait and facilitating evacuation if needed.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a phone call with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on the afternoon of 9/3. *Photo: VNA*

Vietnam and Kuwait established diplomatic relations on 10/1/1976. The two nations elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, agreeing on many directions for development, during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Kuwait in 11/2025.

During that visit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Nawaf S. Al-Sabah, Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). He proposed that KPC consider cooperating in building a bonded oil and gas warehouse in Vietnam. This initiative aims to provide Kuwait with an additional strategic area for oil and gas reserves, while strengthening the friendly relationship between the two countries.

Economically, Kuwait is currently Vietnam's largest trade and investment partner among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. According to data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, bilateral trade turnover in 2025 reached USD 6,43 billion. Vietnam experienced a trade deficit, primarily importing crude oil and liquefied natural gas, while exporting goods such as seafood, fruits and vegetables, cashews, pepper, wood, and components to Kuwait.

Kuwait's largest investment project in Vietnam is the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Complex, with a total capital of USD 9 billion. The two countries also have several local cooperation agreements, including those between Ho Chi Minh City and Ahmadi province, and Thanh Hoa province and Al Farwaniyah province.

Nhu Tam