Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam. Photo: Ngoc Thuy/VNA
Looking back over the past 55 years, what are the most important milestones in the relationship between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, according to the Ambassador?
As two countries with many similarities in history, geography and culture, Vietnam and Sri Lanka have had a long-standing relationship before establishing consular relations in 1964 and officially establishing diplomatic relations on July 21, 1970. Vietnam always remembers and appreciates Sri Lanka's affection, support and assistance for Vietnam's struggle for national independence. In particular, history records that President Ho Chi Minh set foot in Sri Lanka very early when he started to seek a way to save the country in 1911, and then returned to Sri Lanka in 1928 and 1946.
Over 55 years of formation and development, despite experiencing many ups and downs and difficulties due to historical circumstances, even having a period when Vietnam had to temporarily close its Embassy in Colombo (1982-2011), the relationship between the two countries has still achieved many important achievements and milestones, which is very encouraging.
Firstly, the two sides maintained early and regular exchanges of delegations and contacts, contributing to strengthening mutual understanding and trust. Right from the first years after Vietnam reunified the country and the two countries established diplomatic relations, Vietnam sent high-ranking leaders to visit Sri Lanka, notably Prime Minister Pham Van Dong (1978) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam Nguyen Thi Binh (1976). In the following periods, on the Sri Lankan side, the President, Prime Minister, National Assembly Chairman, and Foreign Minister visited Vietnam; on the Vietnamese side, the President, Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy National Assembly Chairman and many Ministers through the periods visited Sri Lanka. Notably, in the first 6 months of this year, the two sides exchanged 3 high-level delegations, accordingly, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid his first State visit to Vietnam after taking office and attended the 2025 United Nations Vesak Festival hosted by Vietnam (May 2025); Politburo member, Party Central Committee Secretary, Head of the Central Propaganda and Education Commission Nguyen Trong Nghia and Party Central Committee member, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Duc Hai visited Sri Lanka in June 2025 and March 2025, respectively. Previously, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son had his first meeting with President Dissanayake on the sidelines of a multilateral conference in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in February 2025.
Second, Vietnam and Sri Lanka have established and maintained three important cooperation mechanisms quite regularly, including the Joint Committee at the Foreign Minister level, the Political Consultation at the Deputy Foreign Minister level, and the Joint Trade Subcommittee at the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade level, contributing to periodically reviewing and promoting cooperation in specific fields.
Third, the two countries have signed nearly 40 cooperation documents in key areas such as trade, investment, defense, agriculture , culture, education, agriculture , fisheries, etc.; most recently, 5 documents were signed during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's visit to Vietnam on customs, machinery manufacturing, trade promotion, education and agriculture . These are solid legal bases for the ministries and sectors of the two countries to implement comprehensive cooperation.
Fourth, although still modest, two-way trade has remained fairly stable in recent years, around 300 million USD/year. The two countries are committed to the target of 1 billion USD in the coming time. Fortunately, Sri Lanka currently has more than 30 investment projects in Vietnam with an investment capital of more than 43 million USD, ranking 64th out of 150 countries and territories investing in Vietnam; Vietnam has 1 project in Sri Lanka in the construction sector worth about 300,000 USD.
Fifth, cultural cooperation, Buddhism, people-to-people exchange, etc. are becoming strengths and potentials in bilateral relations. In 2024, nearly 15,000 Sri Lankan visitors visited Vietnam; religious establishments between the two countries are implementing many meaningful cooperation and exchange programs. The Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka is growing, currently with about 150 people, making contributions to the socio-economic development of the locality, notably 4 Vietnamese restaurants in Colombo and a Vietnamese temple in Kandy, Central Sri Lanka.
In the context of many fluctuations in the regional and world situation, according to the Ambassador, what can Vietnam and Sri Lanka do in the coming time to further strengthen relations both at the bilateral and international levels?
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have an extremely valuable asset, which is the pure and loyal traditional friendship. The achievements over the past 55 years are a solid foundation for the relationship between the two countries to continue to develop strongly in the coming time, both within the bilateral framework as well as at multilateral forums. In the context of the region and the world continuing to have many unpredictable fluctuations, strengthening the cooperative relationship is even more important, not only for the benefit of the two peoples but also contributing positively to the maintenance of peace, stability and sustainable development of humanity. Accordingly, the two sides need to:
Firstly, actively realize the commitments and agreements reached during recent visits, especially the Joint Statement on the occasion of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's visit to Vietnam (with specific directions and measures to promote cooperation in the fields of security, defense, trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, education, culture, etc.), bringing the relationship between the two countries to new heights.
Second, prioritize promoting cooperation in areas of strength and potential such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, trade, etc. in the context of current resources; strive to achieve specific and substantive results, creating fundamental breakthroughs to pave the way and create momentum for other cooperation such as defense, security, energy, mining, construction, logistics, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, technology, sports, etc.
Third, focus on exchanging measures and sharing experiences to promote and expand economic-trade-investment cooperation because these are the priorities of the two countries in the current development stage. Vietnam is willing to share with Sri Lanka its experience in attracting foreign investment, expanding export markets and labor. The two sides need to open up and create conditions for goods from both countries to access each other's markets; consider establishing joint ventures in exploitation, production, processing, etc. for export to a third country to save production costs, transportation time as well as reduce tariff barriers. The two sides also need to consider initiating negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement, promoting connectivity (air, maritime) to facilitate trade. Sri Lanka needs to create favorable conditions to attract more investment from Vietnam, strive to have a number of successful pioneering projects, thereby encouraging and motivating other investors. The two sides also need to create conditions for airlines of the two countries to soon open direct flights between the two countries.
Fourth, Vietnam and Sri Lanka need to promote cooperation to jointly respond to global challenges such as climate change, energy transition, cyber security, etc., thereby not only deepening bilateral relations but also contributing to security and development in the region and the world.
Fifth, the two countries need to continue to closely coordinate and support each other at the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and other cooperation mechanisms, thereby contributing a responsible voice for peace, stability and development in the Asian region in particular and the world in general.
What message does the Ambassador want to send to the leaders and people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries?
Looking back over the past, we have the right to be proud of the traditional friendship, solidarity, trust and effective cooperation that the Vietnamese and Sri Lankan peoples have built and nurtured over many generations, even before the official establishment of diplomatic relations. I believe that, with the solid foundation that has been established, together with the determination of the leaders, people and businesses of the two countries, the Vietnam - Sri Lanka relationship will continue to develop more strongly, towards new heights, bringing benefits to the people of both countries, while actively contributing to peace, cooperation and prosperous development of the region and the world.
On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka (1970-2025), I would like to sincerely send my best wishes and best wishes to the leaders and people of Sri Lanka . May the traditional friendship and good cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka become increasingly warm and achieve many new achievements.
Thank you very much Ambassador!
Ngoc Thuy - Quang Trung (Vietnam News Agency)
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/55-nam-quan-he-viet-namsri-lanka-khong-ngung-phat-trien-huong-toi-nhung-tam-cao-moi-20250721090005505.htm
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