Vietnam Eyes Stronger Energy Cooperation with Saudi Arabia

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung of Vietnam met with Saudi Arabian Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on September 13, 2026, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the energy sector. Prime Minister Le congratulated Saudi Arabia on its significant national development achievements, acknowledging their role in elevating the country's regional and international standing. He also conveyed a message of greetings from General Secretary and President To Lam, extending an invitation to Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for an upcoming visit to Vietnam. Affirming Saudi Arabia's position as a key partner for Vietnam in the Middle East, Prime Minister Le expressed his aspiration to collaboratively advance bilateral ties in a more effective and practical manner. He specifically proposed intensifying energy cooperation by establishing a joint working group. This group would be tasked with discussing energy reserves and identifying concrete projects for collaboration. Vietnam's pursuit of energy security and diversification is paramount amidst its ongoing economic growth. The nation is navigating a crucial transition towards renewable energy sources while managing its reliance on fossil fuels. International partnerships in the energy domain are therefore essential. Saudi Arabia, a global leader in oil exports, brings substantial expertise and technological capabilities to the table. The proposed enhanced cooperation is anticipated to bolster Vietnam's energy security framework and underpin its sustained economic development. Within Vietnam's political structure, characterized by a one-party system, state-driven economic initiatives, including major energy infrastructure projects, typically receive robust governmental support. In parallel, Vietnam is actively seeking to diversify its international economic relationships, a strategic move partly influenced by the complexities of its relationship with China. Strengthening ties with Middle Eastern nations aligns with this broader objective. Source: Bao Chinh Phu