Vietnam and Kuwait Celebrate 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties and Vietnam's 81st National Day

In a solemn and friendly atmosphere, on the evening of September 24 (local time), the Vietnamese Embassy in Kuwait organized a ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Kuwait (1976-2026) and the 81st anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (1945-2026). The ceremony was attended by Mr. Hamad Suleiman Mashaan Al-Mashaan, Deputy Foreign Minister of Kuwait, representatives from ministries, sectors, agencies, localities, businesses, and friends from Kuwait, Ambassadors, Chargé d'Affaires, and members of the diplomatic corps in Kuwait, along with a large number of the Vietnamese community. The presence of nearly 450 guests at the event demonstrated the interest and affection of Kuwaiti friends and the international community towards Vietnam, as well as the friendly relations between Vietnam and Kuwait. Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Kuwait Nguyen Duc Thang emphasized the significance of 50 years of developing Vietnam-Kuwait relations, affirming that the two countries' relations are entering a new phase with the Strategic Partnership framework established in November 2025. Kuwait was the first country in the Gulf region to establish relations with Vietnam and is currently the largest investor from the Middle East with over $3.5 billion in capital contribution to the Nghi Son Refinery project. Bilateral trade also reaches approximately $7 billion annually, the highest in the region. Both countries have ample room to expand practical cooperation in areas such as energy security, food security, digital transformation, oil and gas services, construction, Halal products, and tourism. On the occasion of National Day, Ambassador Nguyen Duc Thang reviewed Vietnam's outstanding achievements after 81 years of construction and development. Impressive figures such as GDP growth exceeding 8% in 2025 and a double-digit target for the 2026-2030 period, total international trade surpassing $1,100 billion, FDI attraction increasing by over 55% with registered capital of nearly $41 billion in the past 8 months, and the aim to attract 25 million international visitors this year, continue to affirm Vietnam's economic potential and its increasingly positive role and contribution to regional and international cooperation. Within the framework of the event, the Embassy presented Kuwaiti friends and international guests with a vivid and diverse picture of Vietnam's land, people, and culture. The exhibition space recreated the distinctive features of Hoi An ancient town and the Northern countryside, while also introducing images and documents about the history, culture, tourism, and development achievements of Vietnam and the Vietnam-Kuwait relationship. Traditional cuisine, including spring rolls, pho, banh mi, fresh coconut, and Vietnamese coffee, was particularly attractive to guests. The art program with singing, dancing, and Ao Dai performances also created emotional exchange moments, demonstrating the closeness and bond between the peoples of the two countries. Alongside the commemorative activities, the Embassy organized a meeting with the Vietnamese community in Kuwait, providing information and briefing on the key contents of Resolution No. 23-NQ/TW dated August 2, 2026, of the Politburo on overseas Vietnamese affairs. Ambassador Nguyen Duc Thang acknowledged and thanked the community's companionship and support in the Embassy's activities. He urged the community to continue promoting solidarity, abide by local laws, ensure safety amidst the complex regional situation, and actively contribute to the homeland and consolidate the friendship between Vietnam and Kuwait.