Hanoi, Oct. 23 -- Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is paying an official visit to Kuwait from October 26 - 27, the first trip to the Middle East nation by a Vietnamese leader in 10 years, which is expected to help solidify the countries' relations.

With diplomatic ties established on January 10, 1976, Kuwait was the first member of the Gulf Cooperation Council and also one of the first Middle Eastern countries to form a diplomatic relationship with Vietnam.

It was also where Vietnam opened its first trade office in the Middle East in 1993.

Bilateral relations have witnessed remarkable turning points since the beginning of the 21st century. Official visits by then Kuwaiti PM Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 2007 and then Vietnames...