Vietnam News Today (Nov. 16): New Momentum Expected from PM’s Upcoming Visit to Kuwait
	Vietnam News Today (Nov. 17): PM Chinh Departs for Kuwait, Algeria and Attendance at G20 Summit in South Africa

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (left) and Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at their meeting in Kuwait City on November 17 (Photo: VNA)

Kuwait eyes expanded cooperation with Vietnam

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting with Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace, Kuwait City on November 17, during which the host expressed his wish that two sides broaden cooperation across trade, investment, food security, and science and technology, while enhancing coordination on international issues.

Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah warmly welcomed PM Chinh, his spouse, and the high-level Vietnamese delegation on their official visit to Kuwait, saying that the trip marks a new milestone in bilateral relations and reaffirms Vietnam’s strategic importance in Kuwait’s foreign policy.

The Emir offered his congratulations to Vietnam on the occasion of major national anniversaries, including the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the south and national reunification, the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, and National Day (September 2), as well as its exceptional progress in socio-economic development.

He highly valued the development of bilateral ties over the past 49 years, and wished for meaningful activities to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year. He expressed his desire to deepen bilateral cooperation, noting that Kuwait views Vietnam’s interests as its own.

Affirming that Vietnam is a sincere, trustworthy friend, the Emir said he cares for Vietnam and its people as he does for Kuwait, and will never forget the support Vietnam has extended to his nation. He also expressed his deep sympathy for the losses suffered by the Vietnamese people during recent storms and natural disasters.

As the current Chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Emir underlined Kuwait’s strong interest in strengthening ties between the GCC and Vietnam as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), describing Vietnam as a strategic gateway for expanding cooperation with the region.

For his part, PM Chinh expressed his pleasure at paying an official visit to Kuwait – the first Gulf nation to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

He recalled key milestones in bilateral cooperation, including mutual support at multilateral forums; Kuwait’s status as the largest ODA provider to Vietnam among Gulf states; cooperation on the Nghi Son refinery and petrochemical project; and Kuwait’s timely donation of 600,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines during Vietnam’s most difficult period of the pandemic.

Affirming both countries' determination to further deepen their friendship and open up a new phase of dynamic, comprehensive, and effective cooperation toward the 50th anniversary of Vietnam – Kuwait diplomatic relations (1976–2026), the two leaders agreed to orient bilateral ties toward a strategic level, thereby meeting the aspirations and interests of the peoples of both nations, cited VNA.

PM Chinh proposed that the Emir of Kuwait continue to support the bilateral relationship so that it develops in line with new requirements and makes breakthroughs.

He also proposed nine priority areas for cooperation for the time ahead, including strengthening political trust between the two countries and actively holding high-level mutual visits; boosting the energy cooperation pillar and expanding oil and gas collaboration; and creating breakthroughs in investment relations, with the PM expressing his hope that the Emir will direct the Kuwait Investment Authority to increase investment in Vietnam, particularly in the Ho Chi Minh City-based International Financial Centre project.

The Vietnamese PM called for strongly promoting trade, proposing his host advocate the early negotiation and signing of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). He suggested expediting negotiations on a food security assurance agreement and the projects helping develop a Halal ecosystem in Vietnam.

Cooperation in defense and security should be advanced, including the joint development of dual-use defense equipment such as UAVs, participation in each other’s defense exhibitions, collaboration in addressing non-traditional security challenges, and cybersecurity ties. In addition, the two sides should enhance cooperation in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation across sectors while expanding connections in tourism, people-to-people exchanges, labour, culture, sports, and education – training, according to the PM.

He also affirmed that with its potential and strengths, Vietnam stands ready to work with Kuwait to contribute to common efforts to promote peace and reconstruction in the Middle East.

The two leaders expressed support for strengthening political trust and reinforcing coordination and consultation on regional and international issues for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

On this occasion, PM Chinh conveyed the invitations from Party General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong for the Emir of Kuwait to pay a visit to Vietnam. The Emir gladly accepted the invitation and expressed his wish to visit Vietnam soon.

Deputy PM asks for close coordination to ensure success for Vietnam – China meeting

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son has expressed his hope that Vietnam and China will continue to coordinate closely in arranging high-level diplomatic activities and ensuring the successful organisation of the 17th meeting of the Vietnam – China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation.

At a reception for Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei on November 17, Son, who also serves as Chairman of the Vietnam – China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, said that during the meeting, the two sides will review their cooperation and work out future orientations and measures for continuing to implement the common perceptions reached by high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and the two countries.

He warmly congratulated China on the successful fourth session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in October, which set out major strategic directions for the drafting of the 15th Five-Year Plan and laid an important foundation for China’s pursuit of high-quality development in the coming period.

Son called on both sides to give high priority to the cooperation in railway development, with the aim of breaking ground on the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway line in 2025, expedite the signing of protocols opening the Chinese market to more Vietnamese agricultural products, expand the smart border-gate model, step up cooperation in power connectivity, make substantive progress in science and technology collaboration, bolster locality-to-locality ties, and effectively carry out people-to-people exchanges.

He also urged the two sides to seriously implement the high-level common perceptions on better managing and addressing differences, and to handle sea-related issues appropriately in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), according to VNA.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son (right) and Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei at their meeting on November 17 (Photo: VNA)

Ambassador He, agreeing with Son’s opinions, said 2025 marks a highly positive stride in China – Vietnam relations, particularly following the reciprocal visits by the two Party General Secretaries and other key leaders of the two Parties and countries. Both sides have held numerous meaningful exchanges and activities, while economic and trade cooperation has continued to expand vigorously, setting new records.

The diplomat affirmed that he will work closely with the Vietnamese side to ensure the successful organisation of high-level and other exchanges, particularly the 17th meeting of the Vietnam – China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation.

He pledged to promote substantive cooperation so as to deliver diverse outcomes for the meeting, contributing to the building of a China – Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, develops intensively and effectively, and brings practical benefits to the peoples of both countries.

Vietnam and Germany identify priorities in economic and trade cooperation

Vietnam and Germany reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and identified strategic priorities in their economic and trade relations at the third meeting of the Vietnam -Germany Joint Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation, held in Hanoi on November 17.

The meeting, co-chaired by Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, and Stefan Rouenhoff, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany, was attended by representatives from relevant ministries, agencies, and a wide range of business communities from both countries.

In his speech, Tan emphasized that the multi-dimensional partnership between the two countries continues to grow strongly, based on friendship, close coordination between ministries, and increasingly deep connections between the business communities.

Regarding energy cooperation, both sides identified it as a key pillar and welcomed the upgrade to the Vietnam–Germany Energy Partnership. This framework aims to promote energy transition, reduce emissions, strengthen energy security, and expand business cooperation, cited VOV.

Vietnam and Germany hold he third meeting of their Joint Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation in Hanoi on November 17.

Key priorities for 2025–2026 include maintaining the annual High-Level Steering Committee, establishing technical working groups, and promoting training, research, and business networking. Germany is also highly valued for its role in implementing projects under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

In the field of industry and digitalization, both countries agreed to further promote automobile manufacturing and attract investment in supporting industries such as textiles, footwear, electronics, and high-tech products.

The Vietnamese side invited German investors to focus on sectors incentivized under the 2025 Chemicals Law and to collaborate on green chemistry for sustainable development. Technology transfer, innovation, digital transformation, and human resource training in green skills, digital skills, and Industry 4.0 management were highlighted as priority areas.

With regard to trade, both sides committed to increasing information sharing, maintaining stable commerce, ensuring smooth supply chains, and making full use of multilateral mechanisms, especially the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Germany was requested to assist enterprises in meeting European market regulations and to encourage investment in deep processing of agricultural and aquatic products, logistics, cold storage, and transshipment hubs.

The co-chairs signed the Minutes of the meeting, which documented the priority areas for cooperation in the coming period.

Germany is currently Vietnam’s second largest trading partner in Europe, accounting for more than 17% of Vietnam’s exports to the European Union. As of the end of October 2025, bilateral trade reached over US$11.1 billion, up 15.1% compared to the same period in 2024.

In investment and industry, around 300 German enterprises are operating in Vietnam, including leading corporations such as Siemens, Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, ZF, Bayer, and B.Braun.

In the energy sector alone, the two countries signed a joint declaration on the establishment of an energy partnership on July 3, 2025, creating a new impetus for energy cooperation.

As of October 31, 2025, Germany has 509 active investment projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of US$3.009 billion, ranking 17th among 153 countries and territories investing in the country.

The meeting reaffirmed Vietnam and Germany’s commitment to strengthening economic and trade cooperation, focusing on energy, industry, digitalization, and trade to promote sustainable development and enhance business connectivity between the two countries.

Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee meeting opens new momentum for cooperation

The 13th meeting of the Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee was held in Algiers from November 16-17, immediately prior to the official visit of the Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Algeria.

The event aimed to solidify the two nations' historical friendship, set new directions for cooperation, and create fresh momentum for bilateral economic, scientific, and technical ties.

Co-chairing the event, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Tuong Van and Secretary-General of Algeria’s Ministry of Industry Kheireddine Ben Aissa stressed the profound significance of the meeting, which is expected to contribute to overall success of the PM's official visit and provide impetus for economic and technical cooperation to move forward.

In his opening remarks, Kheireddine Ben Aissa called the upcoming visit a crucial milestone, highlighting its strategic importance as an opportunity to sign a series of agreements, VNA reported.

The 13th meeting of the Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee is held in Algiers from November 16-17. (Photo: VNA)

He expressed strong anticipation that the visit would lay a solid foundation for the building of a new strategic partnership framework between the two countries.

During the meeting, the committee reviewed current cooperation outcomes, identified new focus areas, and agreed on key programs. Bilateral trade has shown robust growth, making Algeria Vietnam’s fourth-largest export market in Africa. Investment was noted as a "bright spot," exemplified by the highly efficient Bir Seba oil and gas joint venture, which boasts a production capacity of 17,000 barrels per day. Vietnamese enterprises are also actively exploring new opportunities in sectors like pharmaceuticals, construction, and labour supply in Algeria.

Both delegations shared updates on their national socio-economic development. The Algerian side detailed its sweeping economic reforms, including a new investment law designed to create a transparent business environment and maximise Algeria’s role as a gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Vietnamese delegation outlined Vietnam’s three strategic breakthroughs related to institutional refinement, infrastructure development, and human resource training, alongside its goals for digital and green transformation aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The two sides agreed that the Inter-Governmental Committee is a vital mechanism for realising shared visions. In addition to strengthening traditional sectors such as trade, oil and gas, and agriculture, they committed to expanding cooperation into high-potential, new fields, including industry, renewable energy, scientific research, digital transformation, innovative startups, tourism, higher education, construction, and transport.

Russians choose Vietnam as Asia’s top New Year destination

Russian tourists’ demand for New Year 2026 holidays in Asia has surged by more than 70% compared to the same period last year, with Thailand, Vietnam, and China being the top three tour destinations.

According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), Asian destinations account for around 50–60% of all overseas tour sales for the 2026 New Year season.

Major Russian travel companies such as Anex, ITM Group, and Coral Travel, reported that for many years, Thailand has dominated this market, representing up to 81% of Asian New Year tour sales among Russian travelers last year.

However, Thailand’s leading position is beginning to weaken. Its market share for New Year 2026 has fallen to around 60–70%. In contrast, Vietnam’s popularity has risen sharply. The share of Russian tourists choosing Vietnam has jumped to 22%, up from just 6% a year earlier.

This surge is attributed to expanded charter flight programs from multiple Russian cities, helping Vietnam achieve a much higher growth rate in Russian arrivals than Thailand, VOV reported.

Phu Quoc is a popular destination among Russian tourists.

Phu Quoc and Nha Trang are the top destinations in Vietnam for Russian tourists during the 2026 New Year holiday. Coral Travel, one of the Russia’s leading travel companies, reported that 86% of charter flights from Moscow to Nha Trang during the holiday period have already been sold.

Meanwhile, Anex and ITM Group revealed that more Russians are now choosing Vietnam than Thailand for New Year 2026.

China ranks third among Asian destinations for Russian tourists, supported by its visa-free entry policy, extensive flight connections, and diverse travel services. Data from travel website Sletat.ru shows that China makes up about 9% of New Year 2026 tour sales.

Other Asian destinations, including India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan, are also gaining momentum. Pegas Touristik reports that India holds a 15% market share, placing it third in New Year 2026 sales for the company. For clients of PAC GROUP and Space Travel, Indonesia has emerged as the most sought-after destination.

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