Ambassador Yousef Ashour Al-Sabbagh: An important milestone in Vietnam

Photo caption — Kuwaiti Ambassador to Vietnam Yousef Ashour Al-Sabbagh. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA

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?

The friendly and cooperative relations between Kuwait and Vietnam have 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 regards Vietnam as a reliable partner and friend in Southeast Asia and is proud of the special level of bilateral relations between the two countries at both the Government and people-to-people levels. We believe that in the coming time, cooperation will be increasingly effective, especially the common desire to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries for the benefit of the two peoples.

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?

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 common interests.

We expect this visit to open 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 existing relations between Kuwait and Vietnam, especially as both countries prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary 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?

Since the Kuwait-Vietnam Trade Agreement was signed in May 1995, it has provided a fundamental framework for enhancing trade and expanding areas of economic cooperation between the two countries. Over the past three decades, the Agreement has proven effective in supporting bilateral relations and encouraging the 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 visit of the Prime Minister of Viet Nam to Kuwait, we stressed the importance of consolidating 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?

Regarding the proposal to open direct flights between our two countries, we appreciate the importance of having a direct air route between Kuwait and Vietnam. Although this issue is still under consideration by the competent authorities of both countries, we welcome any initiative that contributes to facilitating the movement of people and goods, and promoting trade and tourism. When an agreement is reached, we will be honored to officially announce it at that time.

Thank you very much Ambassador Yousef Ashour Al-Sabbagh!

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/dai-su-yousef-ashour-alsabbagh-cot-moc-quan-trong-trong-quan-he-viet-nam-kuwait-20251115124854047.htm