Kuwait and Vietnam mark 50 years of strategic partnership, trade hits $7 billion
After half a century of friendship, Kuwait–Vietnam relations elevated to strategic level; Vietnamese Ambassador highlights growing ties, economic and cultural milestones with Kuwait
The Times Kuwait Report
Kuwait and Vietnam are marking 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, celebrating five decades of mutual trust, cooperation, and growing strategic partnership that reflects the depth of political confidence and expanding shared interests.
In a reception held by the Vietnamese Embassy to commemorate the “Spring of the Homeland – Lunar New Year 2026,” Ambassador Nguyen Duc Thang highlighted the historical significance of this anniversary.
He noted that the solid foundation of bilateral relations was built on Kuwait’s popular and official stance during Vietnam’s war years — an era remembered for strong solidarity and widespread public support in Kuwait.
Ambassador Thang affirmed that 2026 represents an important milestone in the longstanding friendship between the two nations, emphasizing the qualitative development of ties since Kuwait and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1976.
He pointed out that this partnership has now been elevated to a strategic level, opening broader avenues for collaboration in economic, educational, and cultural fields.
The ambassador underscored the historic visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Kuwait in November 2015, a visit that led to the formal upgrading of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. This shift, he said, reflects deep political trust and a shared vision for future cooperation.
Kuwait remains a key trade and investment partner for Vietnam in the Middle East. Bilateral trade reached approximately $7 billion in 2025, and Kuwaiti investments in Vietnam — most notably exceeding $3.5 billion in the Nghi Son Petrochemical Refinery project — stand as a testament to the strength of economic ties between the two countries.
The ambassador also paid tribute to Kuwait’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the donation of 600,000 vaccine doses to Vietnam — a gesture he described as emblematic of deep friendship and solidarity.
Ambassador Thang praised the Kuwaiti partners across various sectors for their ongoing support and their commitment to strengthening cooperation. He stressed that the two countries are entering a new, diverse and comprehensive phase of relations based on shared political will.
Speaking about the festive occasion, Ambassador Thang said the Lunar New Year celebration brought together the Vietnamese community in Kuwait and Kuwaiti friends, highlighting the cultural and human bonds that unite the two peoples.
Despite its modest size of around 150 individuals, the Vietnamese community in Kuwait was lauded for its unity, active social participation, and contributions to cultural exchange.
Ambassador Thang concluded by expressing best wishes for peace, health, and prosperity in the Year of the Horse, and reiterated the embassy’s role as a home and source of support for the Vietnamese community in Kuwait.
He also shared notable achievements by Vietnam in 2025, including an 8.02% GDP growth, positioning the economy at $530 billion and 32nd globally; foreign trade exceeding $930 billion, putting Vietnam among the top 15 trading nations; 20 million international tourists welcomed; and recognition by the International Monetary Fund as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
