An important milestone in Vietnam-Kuwait relations

At the invitation of Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh , his wife and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation will pay an official visit to Kuwait.

On this occasion, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Vietnam Yousef Ashour Al-Sabbagh gave an interview to VNA reporters about new cooperation prospects between the two countries:

-How does the Ambassador assess the development of the friendly and cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Kuwait over the past three decades?

Ambassador Yousef Ashour Al-Sabbagh: The friendship and cooperation between Kuwait and Vietnam has witnessed rapid and balanced development in many fields and levels over the past three decades.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on the basis of mutual respect and common interests and these relations have been strengthened over time, including cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, education and development.

Kuwait considers Vietnam a reliable partner and friend in Southeast Asia and is proud of the special level that the bilateral relations between the two countries have achieved at both the Government and people-to-people levels.

We believe that in the coming time, cooperation will be more and more effective, especially the common desire to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries to bring benefits to the people of both countries.

- Vietnam and Kuwait still have many potential areas of cooperation that meet the needs and interests of both countries, including traditional and renewable energy, digital transformation and cyber security, food security, human resource cooperation and tourism. Could the Ambassador share about new cooperation opportunities between the two countries?

Ambassador Yousef Ashour Al-Sabbagh: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's upcoming visit to Kuwait from November 16-18, 2025, is an important milestone in bilateral relations and an opportunity to deepen cooperation in strategic areas for mutual benefit.

We expect this visit to open up new opportunities for the existing partnership between Kuwait and Vietnam, especially in key areas of mutual interest such as energy, food security and others.

We also believe that direct dialogue between the two countries’ leaders will help identify priorities for future cooperation and establish practical mechanisms to strengthen the current relations between Kuwait and Vietnam, especially as both countries prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026.

We believe that Kuwait-Vietnam relations, thanks to the common political will and convergent vision of sustainable development, will progress steadily towards a new, more comprehensive and prosperous phase, bringing benefits to the people of both countries.

- Over the past 30 years, since its signing (May 3, 1995 - May 3, 2025), the Vietnam - Kuwait Trade Agreement has played an important role as a bridge to promote trade relations between the two countries. On this occasion, does the Ambassador have any expectations about new agreements to be signed between Vietnam and Kuwait?

Ambassador Yousef Ashour Al-Sabbagh: Since the Trade Agreement between Kuwait and Vietnam was signed in May 1995, this Agreement has created a basic framework to increase trade exchange and expand the areas of economic cooperation between the two countries.

Over three decades, the Agreement has proven effective in supporting bilateral relations and encouraging public-private sectors to build effective partnerships.

Currently, Kuwait is Vietnam's largest trading partner in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries will reach more than 7.3 billion USD, up 24% compared to 2023.

The Nghi Son Refinery Project, a joint venture between Kuwait, Japan and Vietnam, is a prime example of successful multilateral cooperation in the energy sector, contributing to deepening investment and trade relations between Kuwait and Vietnam.

Regarding the agreements to be signed during the Vietnamese Prime Minister's visit to Kuwait, we stressed the importance of strengthening the legal framework established by existing agreements between the two countries.

The visit is expected to conclude with a number of agreements, which will be announced during the visit. We affirm that these agreements will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries in many fields.

-Kuwait Airways is planning to open direct flights to Vietnam. Could the Ambassador provide more information about this plan?

Ambassador Yousef Ashour Al-Sabbagh: Regarding the proposal to open a direct flight between the two countries, we appreciate the importance of having a direct air route between Kuwait and Vietnam.

While the matter is still under consideration by the competent authorities of both countries, we welcome any initiative that would facilitate the movement of people and goods, and promote trade and tourism. Once an agreement is reached, we would be honored to make an official announcement at that time.

-Thank you very much Ambassador Yousef Ashour Al-Sabbagh!

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/cot-moc-quan-trong-trong-quan-he-viet-nam-kuwait-post1077108.vnp