Hanoi, October 27, 2024 — The Europe Today: Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, accompanied by his spouse and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, departed from Hà Nội on Sunday morning for official visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, followed by a working trip to Saudi Arabia. This diplomatic mission, lasting until November 1, includes participation in the 8th Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) held in Saudi Arabia, where the Prime Minister will serve as the event’s chief guest and the only high-ranking Asian leader to address the forum.
These state visits are being conducted at the respective invitations of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jasim Al-Thani, and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman.
Accompanying the Prime Minister and his spouse are Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn; Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Trần Văn Sơn; Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hồng Diên; Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Đào Ngọc Dung; Minister of Information and Communications Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng; Minister of Science and Technology Huỳnh Thành Đạt; and Minister of Justice Nguyễn Hải Ninh. Vietnamese ambassadors to the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are also part of the delegation.
This visit marks the first official trips to the UAE and Qatar by a Vietnamese Prime Minister in 15 years, and the first-ever visit to Saudi Arabia since Việt Nam and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations in 1999. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have been identified as important, long-term, and comprehensive partners in the Middle East. With Vietnam considered a key partner in Southeast Asia, the countries share a commitment to expanding collaboration under the “Look East” policy. This partnership has fostered growing relations with close cooperation and mutual support in various multilateral forums.
Prime Minister Chính’s diplomatic mission is expected to bolster traditional cooperation, initiate breakthroughs in potential sectors, and foster political trust. This aligns with Việt Nam’s strategic goal of multilateralisation and diversification of international ties outlined by the 13th National Party Congress, promoting Vietnam’s active and proactive role in international integration.
Through this visit, Việt Nam aims to reinforce its diplomatic influence, expand its market reach, and diversify partnerships and supply chains, supporting an environment of peace, cooperation, and maximized resources for national development.
