Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam: Deepening friendship and opening up practical cooperation opportunities for Vietnam-Sri Lanka

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam, over the past 55 years, the Vietnam-Sri Lanka relationship has achieved many important and encouraging achievements and is facing opportunities to enhance practical cooperation in the future.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka)

On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations (July 21, 1970 - July 21, 2025), Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam shared with The Gioi and Vietnam Newspaper the outstanding achievements of bilateral relations and orientations and measures to strengthen economic and investment cooperation as well as promote people-to-people exchange.

Vietnam and Sri Lanka have a close, close friendship and have always supported each other throughout history. What are the outstanding achievements in the 55-year journey of bilateral cooperation, Ambassador?

Vietnam and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations in 1970. Over the past 55 years, despite many ups and downs and difficulties due to historical circumstances, and even a period when Vietnam had to temporarily close its Embassy in Colombo (1982-2011), the relationship between the two countries has maintained a positive development momentum and achieved many important and very encouraging achievements. The following three highlights can be mentioned:

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 over 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 and Head of the Central Propaganda and Education Commission Nguyen Trong Nghia and Central Committee member and Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Duc Hai visited Sri Lanka in June 2025 and March 2025, respectively. Previously, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son had his first meeting with President Dissanayake on the sidelines of the World Government Summit (WGS) in the UAE (February 2025).

Second , the two countries have established and regularly maintained three important cooperation mechanisms, 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.

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 Dissanayake’s visit to Vietnam on customs, machinery manufacturing, trade promotion, education and agriculture. These are solid foundations for the ministries and sectors of the two countries to implement comprehensive cooperation.

Third , cultural cooperation, Buddhism, people-to-people exchange, etc. are becoming strengths and potentials in bilateral relations.

In 2024, there were nearly 15,000 Sri Lankan visitors to Vietnam. Religious institutions between the two countries are implementing many meaningful cooperation and exchange programs. Along with that, more and more Vietnamese monks and nuns are coming to study in Sri Lanka. Many Vietnamese literary works have been translated into Sinhala, including: Prison Diary, Ivory Comb, Dust of Life...

In particular, the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka is growing. There are currently 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 Province of Sri Lanka.

A delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam led by Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Propaganda and Education Commission Nguyen Trong Nghia offered flowers at the Ho Chi Minh Monument in the capital Colombo, June 2025. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka)

What activities and events has the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka been implementing in this special year marking an important milestone in the relationship between the two countries?

To celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations and our major anniversaries in 2025, from the beginning of the year, the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka has proactively developed and actively coordinated with relevant ministries and branches of Sri Lanka to implement many diverse activities, imbued with the nature of cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy, thereby deepening the friendship and opening up practical cooperation opportunities.

Some notable activities include: organizing a press conference on the anniversary year with the participation of many Colombo reporters and some foreign newspapers; organizing the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam with the participation of parties that have traditional relations with our Party; organizing the 135th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh with the participation of the Minister of Culture-Religion-Buddhism, General Secretary of the ruling NPP/JVP Party, General Secretary of the Communist Party...; organizing Quiz and Logo Design contests on the relationship between the two countries, painting and essay writing contests on President Ho Chi Minh and the relationship between the two countries; organizing the Vietnam Film Week, Vietnam Cuisine Week; mobilizing Sri Lankan musicians to compose songs about the relationship between the two countries; organizing the introduction of traditional arts, paintings about the country and people of Vietnam in events...

Notably, also in this anniversary year, the Embassy promoted delegation exchanges and high-level contacts between the two countries, notably the State visit to Vietnam by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake with many positive results and 5 signed documents; establishing the Sri Lanka-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group.

This year, the Embassy also promoted trade and investment promotion activities and connected businesses of the two countries.

Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam chaired a press conference on the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations in Colombo, March 2025. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka)

During the State visit to Vietnam and the United Nations Day of Vesak by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka last May, the leaders of the two countries shared that the potential for economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries is still very large, and breakthrough measures are needed to exploit it effectively, while setting a goal of bringing bilateral trade turnover to 1 billion USD and further increasing two-way investment. What plans and measures does the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka have to contribute to promoting bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation towards this goal?

Two-way trade turnover has increased sharply from 30 million USD in 2010 to 300 million USD/year recently. However, this is still a modest figure compared to the good traditional relationship between us and Sri Lanka.

It is encouraging that 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, while Vietnam has one project in Sri Lanka in the construction sector worth about 300,000 USD.

After the meeting between the leaders of the two countries last May, the target of raising bilateral trade turnover to 1 billion USD was set, demonstrating the common determination of both sides. To achieve this goal, there needs to be great determination and efforts from the governments and businesses of the two countries, especially in resolving difficulties and challenges in market access and logistics, in the context of Sri Lanka facing economic difficulties and having to implement "belt-tightening" policies under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program.

On the Embassy side, we actively exchange and seek cooperation opportunities through meetings and business connections; organize forums and seminars with the nature and scale appropriate to the local situation. At the same time, we also proactively coordinate with relevant ministries and branches of the two countries to remove technical barriers and support businesses in accessing market information.

In addition, the Embassy also promotes Vietnam's strong products such as textiles, seafood, agricultural products, construction materials, electric vehicles, etc., and calls on Sri Lankan businesses to invest in Vietnam in the fields of logistics, technology, and education.

Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam introduces photos of Vietnam's land and people. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka)

As Ambassador, how do you feel about the interest and affection of the Sri Lankan people towards the country and people of Vietnam? According to Ambassador, what can the two countries do to promote cultural and historical values, promote people-to-people exchanges, especially with the young generation of the two countries today?

As Ambassador, I am deeply moved by the sincere concern and affection that the Sri Lankan people have for the country and people of Vietnam. They not only admire Vietnam’s past history of fighting for independence but also appreciate the development achievements we have made in the current renovation process.

Many Sri Lankans, especially the older generation, still refer to President Ho Chi Minh as an inspirational figure; refer to Vietnam as a close friend even though they have never set foot in Vietnam.

To strengthen the connection between the people, especially the young generation, of the two countries, I think it is necessary to promote student exchanges, university twinning, youth and women exchanges, cultural, artistic and sports exchanges, etc. Introducing culture and history through digital media, social networks, books and newspapers is also very necessary. These activities will contribute to fostering lasting friendship and creating a solid foundation for the relationship between the two countries in the future.

The MoU signing ceremony between The World and Vietnam Newspaper and The Colombo Times at the Hanoi bridge. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Recently, the Embassy supported the connection between The World and Vietnam Newspaper to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The Colombo Times of Sri Lanka. How does the Ambassador assess the potential and significance of cooperation in the field of media between the two sides?

Promoting media cooperation is one of the strategic directions to enhance understanding, build positive images and spread information between the two countries, support people-to-people and cultural exchanges and contribute to promoting cooperation in all fields.

During the anniversary year, the Embassy actively promoted cooperation in this field, including coordinating the introduction of Sri Lankan reporters to participate in the Press Week in Ho Chi Minh City on the occasion of the April 30 anniversary. The Embassy also actively wrote news, articles, and gave interviews to Sri Lankan newspapers and television.

The signing of the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between The World and Vietnam Newspaper with The Colombo Times - a Sri Lankan newspaper - is a significant milestone in the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, opening a channel for direct exchange of press content between the two sides.

This cooperation will help the two newspapers report accurately and promptly on the political, economic and cultural situation of each country; contribute to refuting false information; and at the same time support businesses and people to have a deeper understanding of each other's markets and cultures.

In the future, The World and Vietnam Newspaper and The Colombo Times can carry out more activities such as exchanging reporters, organizing journalism seminars, cooperating in training digital media skills, creating conditions for the youth of the two countries to participate in promoting their country's image to the world.

The strategic handshake between the two countries' newspapers will also create momentum and pave the way for other newspapers from Vietnam and Sri Lanka to research and establish cooperative relationships.

Thank you very much Ambassador!

"Promoting media cooperation is one of the strategic directions to enhance understanding, build positive images and spread information between the two countries, support people-to-people and cultural exchanges and contribute to promoting cooperation in all fields." (Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam)

MoU signing ceremony between The World and Vietnam Newspaper and The Colombo Times at the Colombo bridge. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dai-su-trinh-thi-tam-lam-sau-sac-them-tinh-huu-nghi-va-mo-ra-co-hoi-hop-tac-thiet-thuc-cho-viet-nam-sri-lanka-321521.html