Vietnam, Sri Lanka eye stronger cooperation

President Vo Van Thuong (R) and his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe. (Photo: VNA)

Beijing (VNA) – Vietnam attachesimportance to developing its traditional friendship and multifacetedcooperation with Sri Lanka, and wants to further promote the relationship for the benefit of their people, PresidentVo Van Thuong told his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe in Beijing,China, on October 18.

At the meeting, which took place on the sidelines ofthe third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF), theVietnamese leader expressed his belief that under the leadership of President Wickremesinghe,Sri Lanka will soon overcome difficulties to achieve more socio-economic achievements.

The two leaders acknowledged positive development steps inthe bilateral relationship, especially in education-training, religion, andpeople-to-people exchanges, saying financial cooperation has also made newprogress as they have completed legal procedures for the signing of an agreementon cooperation and mutual support in customs.

President Thuong suggested the two countries expand collaborationacross spheres, effectively implement existing bilateral cooperationmechanisms, and facilitate the operations of their businesses, thereby enhancing bilateral trade and investment ties.

The leaders agreed to ask the foreign ministers of thetwo countries, who are also co-chairs of the Vietnam - Sri Lanka JointCommittee, to soon organise annual meetings of the committee in order to fostercooperation in all realms, including economy - trade - investment.

President Thuong also suggested deepening cooperation in otherpotential fields such as tourism, education - training, culture, religion, and people-to-peopleexchanges.

For his part, President Wickremesinghe congratulatedVietnam on its important socio-economic achievements and stated that Sri Lankaalways wishes to strengthen its relations with Vietnam.

Sri Lanka hopes to join the Regional ComprehensiveEconomic Partnership (RCEP), he said.

He agreed with President Thuong’s suggestions to forge thebilateral cooperation, particularly in economy, trade, cultural exchanges, religion,and tourism.    
       
Both leaders emphasised that Vietnam and Sri Lankawill strengthen cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums,including the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

On this occasion, President Thuong invited President Wickremesinghe tovisit Vietnam again soon. The President of Sri Lanka accepted the invitationwith pleasure./.

VNA