KUWAIT CITY, Jan 6: Ambassador interview on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam–Kuwait diplomatic relations.

1. The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Kuwait. How would you describe the evolution of bilateral ties over the five decades? The year 2026 holds special significance for Viet Nam and Kuwait as we celebrate the 50thanniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. Over the past half-century, the relationship between Viet Nam and Kuwait has achieved many memorable milestones, evolving from humble beginnings towards strategic partnership. Shortly after Viet Nam’s reunification, Viet Nam and Kuwait established diplomatic relations on January 10th, 1976.

As the first country in the Gulf region establishing diplomatic tie with Viet Nam, Kuwait has made a substantial contribution to the relationship between Viet Nam and the Gulf countries in particular, and other ones in the Middle East in general. Viet Nam has appreciated very much the Kuwaiti people’s demonstrations against the Viet Nam War and their solidarity with Vietnamese people for the noble course of protecting national independence and sovereignty. And as a matter of fact, Viet Nam fully supported Kuwait’s efforts to gain the entire liberation during the 1991 war with Iraq.

In June 1993, the Viet Nam Trade Representative Office was established in Kuwait, marking it the first trade office of Viet Nam in the Gulf region. Ten years later, cooperation between the two countries was further strengthened when Viet Nam officially opened its embassy in Kuwait in October 2003. On the Kuwaiti side, Prime Minister Nasser Al Mohammed Al Sabah paid an official visit to Viet Nam in May 2007, followed by the opening of Kuwait’s embassy in Hanoi in August 2007 and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City in September 2007.

An official visit to Kuwait by Vietnamese Prime Minister in 2009 and another trip to Viet Nam by Kuwaiti Prime Minister in 2016 have even more fostered bilateral cooperation on many potential areas. The 50-year journey of Viet Nam-Kuwait friendship (1976 - 2026) is entering a new chapter as the two countries elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s historic visit to Kuwait in November 2025.

This milestone reflects a deep bond between the two countries on the basis of political trust, subtantive economic cooperation, culture exchange, and a shared commitment to peace and development, striving for the interest of our peoples and prosperous future of our nations.

2. Alongside with close political ties, what are the impressions in Viet Nam- Kuwait cooperation over the past fifty years? A notable achievement in Viet Nam- Kuwait relations is the significant progress in trade and investment. Kuwait has become the leading trade and investment partner of Viet Nam in the Middle East. Bilateral trade has been estimated to reach nearly US$7.0 billion in 2025, the largest volume between Viet Nam and one country in the whole region. Additionally, Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Complex project, with a total investment exceeding US$9.0 billion, has been financed by the share of US$3.5 billion from Kuwait, ranking among top investors so far. Viet Nam and Kuwait have stood side by side during the difficult times. Viet Nam will remember for long the Kuwait’s generous provision of 600,000 vaccine doses in the most challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This deed once again demonstrated the depth of friendship between the two countries, as the Vietnamese proverb says, “True friendship is revealed in times of hardship.” This spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance have been ever manifested by Kuwait, the first Gulf nation to provide the largest amount of preferential Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding to Viet Nam.

Dau Tieng irrigation project was the first to receive ODA from Kuwait in 1979. For many years, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has supported essential infrastructure projects in Viet Nam, totaling US$ 182 million through 15 projects across various provinces and cities, particularly in remote areas. Furthermore, cultural, educational and tourism exchanges are growing well. Local- level cooperation is also advancing, with partnerships such as those between Ahmadi Governorate and Ho Chi Minh City, and between Farwaniya Governorate and Thanh Hoa Province.

3. As you just mentioned, the 50-year journey of diplomatic relations between the two countries has remained strong and has recorded many achievements despite the geographical distance of over 6,000 km between Viet Nam and Kuwait. What are the ground and driving force behind such a relationship? The relationship between Viet Nam and Kuwait is founded on historical empathy. Both countries have endured challenging periods in defending our sovereignty, building our nations, and asserting our national standing. This shared experience has fostered a natural friendship and political trust, allowing the two countries to mutually understand and support each other from the very beginning of their diplomatic relations.

Over 50 years of relations, the two countries have consistently supported each other’s independence and sovereignty, refrained from interfering in internal affairs, maintained sincere dialogue and persued substantive cooperation. This has ensured that our relationship being unaffected by many challenges such as global economic turbulence, regional and international confl icts, climate change, non-traditional security issues, etc. Furthermore, the solid foundation of strong bond between Viet Nam and Kuwait lies in our shared vision of peace, cooperation and development.Viet Nam and Kuwait always uphold common views on national independence, aspirations for development, and commitment to peace and collaboration both regionally and globally. The coordination between Viet Nam and Kuwait in promoting multilateralism, peace, sustainable development, as well as actively participating in humanitarian missions, has made a significant contribution to enhancing the roles of both nations on the international stage.

4. On the new height of bilateral relations, could you give some recommendations for the two countries promoting practical cooperation in the near future? First, cooperation in the field of energy could be expanded to include storage facilities, transshipment centres for oil and gas, and energy logistics in Viet Nam. Simultaneously, the two countries need to link oil cooperation with the energy transition to jointly research and invest into solar power, wind power, and green hydrogen projects. This is a feasible step to optimise the oil and gas value chain, adapt to global trends, and bring sustainable benefits to both Viet Nam and Kuwait. Second, with its dynamic economy and favourable investment environment, Viet Nam has become an increasingly attractive destination for Kuwaiti investment funds.

In the coming time, the two countries could enhance cooperation on large-scale projects, particularly building infrastructure and establishing a new financial centre in Southeast Asia. Third, Viet Nam confidently positions itself as one of the world’s leading exporters of agricultural and aquatic products, capable of ensuring food security and providing an abundant, stable, and long-term supply of Halal-certified products to the Kuwaiti market. Cooperation in this area will not only help Kuwait diversify its food supply but also create opportunities for Viet Nam to develop a Halal agricultural value chain, thereby expanding its market to the GCC countries and the wider Middle East region. Fourth, Viet Nam’s beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture and benevolent people have won admiration worldwide. The S-shaped country is increasingly becoming a favoured destination for international tourists, including many from the Middle East.

The potential for tourism cooperation between Viet Nam and Kuwait is viewed very positively for the coming years, owing to the obvious complementarity in demand, excellent products and seasonality. Fifth, in a volatile global context, Viet Nam and Kuwait must strengthen our coordination and support for each other in multilateral forums. Furthermore, Viet Nam can serve as a gateway for Kuwait to expand investment into Southeast Asia, while Kuwait can act as a strategic partner, helping Vietnam access into the Middle East and neighbouring markets.

5. Could you further elaborate on the potential for tourism cooperation between Viet Nam and Kuwait and steps to be taken by both countries? Viet Nam is projected to reach a record 25 million international visitors by 2025. With its extensive coastline, lush landscapes, exceptional cruisines, and rich tapestry of history and culture, Viet Nam has firmly established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after destinations. The country offers a diverse range of tourism products that cater to the preferences of Kuwaiti tourists, including:

- High-end resort tourism destinations: Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang.

- Health and healing tourism destinations: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, Sapa, Can Tho.

- Cultural and heritage tourism destinations: Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, and Ninh Binh.

- Natural and experiential tourism destinations: Ha Long Bay and the northern mountainous region.

In the recent years, Viet Nam has been developing a network of Halal-certified restaurants, Muslim-friendly hotels, and offering customized tours tailored to Arab visitors. Particularly, Viet Nam is becoming a trusted and pleasant place for international visitors seeking health and wellness tourism, with the market projected to reach nearly US$1 billion by 2025. Viet Nam and Kuwait should organize more tourism promotion programs in each country, encourage close collaboration between travel businesses from both nations, and open direct fl ights specifically for tours from Kuwait to Viet Nam.

Moreover, Kuwaiti businesses could have good opportunities to invest in Viet Nam’s tourism sector, particularly in areas such as high-end resorts, family vacation resorts, Halal-certified hotels, international cruise tours, entertainment, and shopping complexes. Promoting tourism not only brings about economic benefits but also fosters greater understanding, cultural exchange, and friendship between the peoples of Viet Nam and Kuwait, thus advancing a key element for our two nations’ enhanced cooperation and strategic partnership. Proudly celebrating the Golden Anniversary of Viet Nam - Kuwait friendship and cooperation.