During their talks on 17/11, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah affirmed the continuous expansion and strengthening of Vietnam - Kuwait relations, particularly in trade, investment, energy, education, labor, and development assistance. They agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
The two prime ministers also discussed bilateral, regional, and international situations, agreeing on major orientations to foster a stronger, more comprehensive, and sustainable development of Vietnam - Kuwait relations in the coming period.
The two leaders identified economic, trade, and investment cooperation as a crucial pillar of bilateral relations. They agreed to strive for an increase in two-way trade turnover to over 12-15 billion USD by 2030.
 |
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah. Photo: VGP |
Both sides affirmed close coordination to enhance efficiency and expand the operations of the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Project, guided by the principle of "harmonized benefits, shared risks." This project is considered a symbol of strategic cooperation, contributing significantly to energy security for both nations. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also proposed negotiating a long-term framework agreement on strategic commodities, including rice, to ensure food security for Kuwait and to implement projects supporting the development of a Halal ecosystem in Vietnam.
Beyond economic cooperation, both sides agreed to expand collaboration in emerging fields such as science and technology, digital transformation, innovation, cybersecurity, renewable energy, education and training, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. The two prime ministers concurred that education and cultural cooperation would form a sustainable foundation for the long-lasting friendship between the two nations.
The Kuwaiti Prime Minister committed to expanding scholarships for Vietnamese students to study new disciplines and fields, such as STEM and basic sciences. He also stated that Kuwait would explore the possibility of visa exemptions for citizens of both countries.
Kuwait is currently Vietnam's largest trade and investment partner among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Two-way trade turnover reached 7,3 billion USD in 2024. Kuwait's largest investment project in Vietnam is the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Complex, with a total capital of 9 billion USD.
Currently, there are several local cooperation agreements between the two countries, connecting areas such as TP HCM and Ahmadi province, and Thanh Hoa province and Al Farwaniyh province.
Ngoc Anh
