Opportunity to expand markets in the Middle East

This is the first visit by a senior Vietnamese leader to Kuwait in 16 years, taking place at a time when the two countries are preparing to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in January 2026. This diplomatic activity follows Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to three Gulf countries in 2024, reflecting Viet Nam’s determination to implement its foreign policy strategy towards the Middle East and promptly realise Resolution 59 on international integration in the new context.

Through such high-level diplomatic engagements, Viet Nam continues to reinforce friendly relations, enhance political trust and expand its markets. The two sides have signed numerous cooperation agreements in economics, science, technology, trade, air transport, culture and the arts, sports, among others.

Kuwait is increasingly affirming its important role in multilateral forums and international organisations. It is a member of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Arab League (AL), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), among others.

A notable feature of Kuwait’s foreign policy is its active participation in regional and global multilateral organisations, as well as its humanitarian support for countries in difficulty. Humanitarian assistance and charitable work constitute a key pillar of Kuwait’s foreign policy, reflected in the activities of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society and domestic charitable organisations in recent years.

Under its “Vision 2035”, Kuwait aims to become a regional and global financial and commercial hub, focusing on economic diversification, social development and sustainable development, transforming Kuwait into a dynamic, modern nation.

To achieve this, Kuwait has introduced specific measures such as establishing more than 3,500 small enterprises to reduce dependence on oil exports, raising GDP by 1.5%, improving the quality of education and healthcare, enhancing living standards, and increasing the share of renewable energy by 15%.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Kuwait Nguyen Duc Thang emphasised that the time is ripe for the two countries to consolidate and strengthen their bilateral relations, elevating them to a new level and contributing practically to the development goals of both sides — for Viet Nam, the goal of becoming a developing country with modern industry and one of the world’s top 30 economies by 2030, striving to become a developed, high-income, prosperous, and happy nation by 2045; and for Kuwait, “Vision 2035”, which aims to turn the country into a leading financial and commercial centre in the region and the world.

It can be fully affirmed that the time is ripe for Viet Nam and Kuwait to consolidate and strengthen their bilateral relations, elevating them to a new level and contributing practically to the development goals of both sides.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Kuwait
Nguyen Duc Thang

According to Ambassador Nguyen Duc Thang, based on the outcomes of the prime minister’s official visit to Kuwait in November and as the two countries approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in January 2026, Viet Nam–Kuwait relations have been placed within a new, higher, and broader framework that requires efforts from both sides.

 First of all, Viet Nam needs to prioritise several practical and effective measures to create momentum for a new phase of cooperation between the two countries. Next, Viet Nam should demonstrate a more proactive and active role in expanding cooperation with Kuwait while developing a comprehensive approach to the GCC region — both unified and synchronised, as well as tailored to each individual country.

Viet Nam–Kuwait relations have been placed within a new, higher, and broader framework that requires efforts from both sides.

According to Ambassador Nguyen Duc Thang, at the regional level, Viet Nam needs to implement harmonised policies for the entire GCC through investment promotion, a free trade agreement, Halal standards, carbon credits, and the digital economy; while for Kuwait specifically, Viet Nam must adjust flexibly based on this country’s geographical characteristics, population size, financial investment methods, food security needs, infrastructure development, and tourism, thereby maximising mutual benefits and affirming Viet Nam’s position as a reliable and sustainable partner.

Alongside political commitment between the two countries, close and coordinated cooperation at all levels will be the key for Viet Nam and Kuwait to overcome difficulties and differences, capitalise on opportunities and each side’s potential, and bring bilateral relations into a new and more comprehensive and sustainable phase of development.