On November 17, within the framework of an official visit to the State of Kuwait, at the Bayan Palace, the capital Kuwait, Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Ahmad Al- Abdullah Al-Sabah, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In an atmosphere of sincerity, trust and mutual understanding, the two Prime Ministers agreed to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership and exchanged in depth on the situation of bilateral, regional and international relations, and agreed on many major orientations to develop the Vietnam - Kuwait relationship more strongly, comprehensively and sustainably in the coming time.
The two Prime Ministers identified economic, trade and investment cooperation as an important pillar of the bilateral relationship, and agreed to strive to increase bilateral trade turnover to more than 12 - 15 billion USD by 2030.
Vietnam proposed that Kuwait promote early negotiations, signing of the Vietnam - Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) FTA and consider negotiating the Vietnam - Kuwait Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The two sides affirmed that they will closely coordinate to improve efficiency and promote the expansion of the Nghi Son Refining and Petrochemical Project in the spirit of "harmonious benefits, shared risks", considering this a symbol of strategic cooperation between the two countries, contributing significantly to ensuring energy security for both countries.
In addition, Vietnam is ready to provide oil and gas services and provide high-quality human resources for projects in Kuwait, expand cooperation to a number of new projects, especially the construction of a petroleum storage and transit project in the Vietnam area.
The Kuwait Prime Minister welcomed investment opportunities in Vietnam, pledged to promote the Kuwait Public Investment Fund and Kuwait investors to implement major and strategic projects in Vietnam, and directed the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to coordinate with Vietnam to continue promoting the ODA in line with the interests of both sides.
The Kuwait Prime Minister also suggested that the two sides soon sign an air transport agreement and study the opening of a direct flight between the two countries.
Emphasizing the potential for food security cooperation between the two sides, the Kuwait Prime Minister said that he would promote research and investment in building an agricultural factory in Vietnam for export to the Kuwait market and other countries in the region.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed negotiating a Long-term Framework Agreement on strategic items, including rice, to ensure food security for Kuwait and implement projects to support the development of the Halal ecosystem in Vietnam.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam welcomes and creates all favorable conditions for Kuwait investment funds and enterprises, in which he proposed that the Kuwait Investment Agency (KIA) invest in the International Financial Center in Vietnam.
The Kuwait Prime Minister pledged to expand scholarships for Vietnamese students to study new majors and fields such as STEM, basic science, etc., and agreed to coordinate the organization of Vietnam Days in Kuwait and Kuwait Days in Vietnam to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Kuwait (1976 - 2026); study the possibility of visa exemption for citizens of the two countries.
