While attending the G20 Summit in South Africa, on 22 November (local time), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister recalled his strong impressions from his 2024 visit to Saudi Arabia and affirms that Vietnam always values advancing its friendly and substantive cooperation with Saudi Arabia. He conveyed the greetings and invitations of Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, and other senior Vietnamese leaders to the King and senior leaders of Saudi Arabia to visit Vietnam soon, aiming to elevate bilateral ties.

The Prime Minister requested both sides to expand market access, facilitate bilateral trade and accelerate the launch of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia, as well as the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

He also called on Saudi Arabia to increase investment in Vietnam’s potential projects in strategic infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, digital transformation and science and technology; supported Vietnam in developing international financial centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang; and broadened cooperation in trade, investment, defence, food security and the Halal industry.

Expressing strong agreement with the Prime Minister’s proposals, the Saudi Foreign Minister congratulated Vietnam on its 2025 economic performance and commends the country’s reform efforts. Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud emphasized that Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to strengthening comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies. He noted that the two countries still have significant room for cooperation, especially amid complex global developments.

The Saudi Foreign Minister stated that he supports the early negotiation and signing of an FTA between Vietnam and the GCC, and proposed that Vietnam soon sends a business delegation to Saudi Arabia to discuss and promote investment cooperation projects.

On this occasion, both sides agreed to enhance coordination and support each other at international forums. The Saudi Foreign Minister appreciated Vietnam’s objective and constructive stance on the Palestine issue.