KUWAIT: Vietnam and Kuwait have successfully concluded the 5th Vietnam-Kuwait Political Consultation, with both sides agreeing to explore the vast potential for deepening multi-faceted cooperation, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Kuwait Nguyen Duc Thang. Areas identified for future collaboration include trade and investment facilitation, renewable energy, digital transformation, agriculture, fisheries, food security and tourism. Discussions are also underway on opening a direct flight route, which the ambassador said could mark a decisive step in boosting engagement between governments, businesses and people of both nations.
Ambassador Thang made the remarks during the celebration of Vietnam’s 80th National Day, adding: “Our relations with Kuwait have flourished across many fields. Leaders of both countries have exchanged visits and maintained close contacts to strengthen bilateral ties and coordinate at international forums. Economically, our cooperation is substantive and growing, with bilateral trade reaching $7.3 billion last year – the highest for Vietnam in the Middle East.”
He highlighted the diversification of trade beyond petroleum, with rising Vietnamese exports of seafood, fresh fruits, textiles, furniture, electronics and machinery. On investment, he pointed to Kuwait’s contribution of about $4 billion to the Nghi Son Refinery joint venture in Vietnam, which he said has yielded notable profits as its operations outperform other plants. Cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges are also expanding, alongside local-level partnerships between Ahmadi Governorate and Ho Chi Minh City, and between Farwaniya Governorate and Thanh Hoa Province.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Kuwait Nguyen Duc Thang giving his speech on the occasion of the national day of Vietnam.
Ambassador Thang further noted Kuwait’s historic role as the first Gulf country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in January 1976, shortly after the country’s reunification. “This was a crucial moment in our history, and Vietnam will always hold special appreciation for Kuwait’s friendship,” he said.
Reflecting on his country’s achievements, the ambassador emphasized that Vietnam has become a model of innovation and development. “Today, our GDP ranks 32nd in the world, sustaining an annual growth rate of 6–7% after the pandemic, with projections above 8% this year,” he stated. He added that Vietnam is now among the top 20 countries in trade volume and foreign direct investment, with total trade exceeding $800 billion and foreign capital surpassing $500 billion. The country has also joined 17 free trade agreements and more than 500 trade deals, while reaffirming its commitment to green growth, climate change response and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Vietnam’s global standing continues to grow, with diplomatic ties established with 194 countries, including 38 comprehensive and strategic partners, and active participation in more than 70 international organizations. The ambassador also underscored Vietnam’s growing role in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions abroad. On the cultural front, he pointed to the rise of Vietnamese tourism, with 19 million visitors recorded in 2024 and an expected 25 million in 2025.
“As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of our National Day, Vietnam remains steadfast on the chosen path, embracing an ‘Era of Rising’ and striving for higher development goals,” Ambassador Thang affirmed. “Together with Kuwait, we will continue promoting practical cooperation, strengthening the bridge between Southeast Asia and the Gulf, and contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in both regions.”
KUWAIT: Chief of the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army Lt Gen Khaled Al-Shuraian on Monday bestowed the rank of colonel on members of the 35th officers’ batch, in accordance with an Amiri Decree issued by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. In a press statement, Lt Gen Al-Shuraian conveyed the congratulations of Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah to the newly promoted officers.
He expressed hope the promotions would serve as an incentive for greater dedication and continued service to the nation. The ceremony was attended by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Sheikh Dr Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah, members of the Military Defense Council and several senior army officers. — KUNA
KUWAIT: The Economic Platform, a Kuwaiti media initiative focused on financial markets and corporate performance, held a dialogue session on Monday titled “Climate Change and Economic Challenges” to bolster the country’s sustainable development efforts. The discussion centered on two key themes: the economic impacts of climate change and strategies for adaptation and loss mitigation. The session was moderated by astronomy researcher Khaled Al-Jumaan and featured meteorologist Issa Ramadan, Kuwait Economic Society Secretary General Mohammad Al-Jouan, energy and construction researcher Dr Majed Al-Rashidi, and Building Information Modeling consultant Asmaa Al-Saleh.
Panelists outlined the main drivers of sustainable development in Kuwait, highlighting the interdependence of renewable energy, environmental considerations and infrastructure. They also evaluated the current national landscape in these areas, underscoring their direct connection to the country’s economic performance. Addressing the first theme, participants exchanged perspectives on the effects of climate change on key sectors, including renewable energy production, infrastructure, urban expansion and future development trends in the region. Each expert offered an individual assessment of current conditions and recent scientific findings related to climate, energy and infrastructure and their economic implications.
The moderator in charge of the dialogue session is astronomy researcher Khaled Al-Jumaan.
Director of the Economic Platform, Muhannad Youssef, during his opening speech.- KUNA photos
A number of specialists in the fields of economics, energy and the environment attended the dialogue session entitled ‘Climate Change and Economic Challenges’.
In the second theme, focused on adaptation and minimizing losses, the speakers stressed the need for modern strategies to confront climate-related economic challenges and maintain balance between growth and environmental responsibility. They called for a forward-looking vision that includes green urban planning, emission reduction, investment in renewable energy projects and enhanced infrastructure development.
Following the session, the participating experts are expected to convene to issue comprehensive recommendations on advancing sustainable development across various sectors of the national economy. Established in 2023, Economic is a Kuwaiti platform that blends in-depth analysis with visual storytelling on major economic and financial issues in Kuwait, the Gulf, the wider Middle East and beyond. — KUNA
KUWAIT: The Embassy of Spain in Kuwait celebrated the Spanish National Day on Sunday, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense, Sheikh Dr Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah. In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of Spain to Kuwait Manuel Hernandez Gamallo emphasized the importance of the occasion, marking Spain as one of the oldest nation-states in the world, a country united by diverse languages and cultural traditions.
The ambassador emphasized the strength of the relations between Spain and Kuwait, saying “Our relations with Kuwait are deep and solid, based on cultural affinities and people-to-people relations. Those relations are flourishing more than ever.” He revealed that nearly 50,000 Kuwaiti travelers visited Spain this year, noting that recent visa facilitation measures within the Schengen area have made travel easier.
Ambassador of Spain to Kuwait Manuel Hernandez Gamallo
The audience at the ceremony.
The Ambassador highlighted significant progress in bilateral cooperation, including the Spanish Kuwaiti Joint Economic Committee held in Kuwait last May, which brought together business leaders and officials from sectors aligned with Kuwait’s Vision 2035. Notably, several agreements are currently in progress to further strengthen trade and investment ties. On the academic level, the Ambassador highlighted Kuwait’s recognition of degrees from 45 Spanish universities, with several institutions including Madrid, Navarra and Barcelona granted “excellence” status in select disciplines, expressing hope to see more Kuwaiti students studying in Spain in the coming years.
He also announced the upcoming direct air connection between Kuwait and Madrid, adding to the existing routes to Barcelona and seasonal flights to Malaga, which will further boost tourism and connectivity. The Spanish Ambassador reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to dialogue among civilizations, the rule of international law, and the defense of human rights, underlining Spain’s recognition of the State of Palestine and its ongoing efforts to promote a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, commending Kuwait’s steadfast humanitarian role and its contribution to regional stability.
He added “Spain salutes the State of Kuwait as a staunch defender of international law, a factor of stability, and a first-rate contributor to humanitarian causes in the world,” extending congratulations to Kuwait for successfully hosting the GCC–EU Ministerial Meeting held recently in Kuwait. The Ambassador also recognized the 450 Spaniards currently residing in Kuwait, many of whom are professionals working in fields such as education, business, health, sports, energy, and infrastructure. The Ambassador concluded by extending greetings on behalf of King Felipe VI and the Government of Spain, wishing continued progress and prosperity to the State of Kuwait and its people.
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