The third Vietnam-Sri Lanka political consultation took place in Colombo on April 11, during which the two sides agreed to roll out measures to elevate the Vietnam-Sri Lanka partnership.

Delegates at the event 

Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Dinh Quy and his Sri Lankan counterpart Sumith Nakandala co-chaired the event.

Speaking highly of the sound traditional friendship and all-round partnership between the two countries, Deputy Minister Quy agreed to propose an early visit by Vietnamese leaders to Sri Lanka.

Sumith Nakandala stated that the consultation is one of the important mechanisms to boost the growth of bilateral ties, and agreed to hold the fourth meeting of the bilateral Joint Committee soon in 2018.

Concurring that trade and investment are a key pillar in their bilateral cooperation, the two sides agreed to organise the second meeting of the Sub-Committee on Trade Cooperation in Vietnam to accelerate the initiatives and measures needed to reach the set target of US$1 billion in two-way trade in 2020.

Meanwhile, the two sides will create favourable conditions for their businesses to seek partnerships, especially in tea, pharmaceuticals, garments, telecommunications, aquatic farming and processing, logistics, education, oil and gas, and construction material production.

The Sri Lankan side took note of Vietnam’s suggestion on enhancing their cooperation in exporting rice and milk.

The two sides also vowed to boost their ties in culture and tourism.

Vietnam and Sri Lanka agreed to continue working closely together and supporting each other at regional and international forums. Sri Lanka recognised Vietnam’s proposal to support Vietnam’s bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure.

Sri Lanka also affirmed the significance of maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea, maritime and aviation freedom and unhindered trade activities, as well as the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.

The country proposed enhancing their cooperation in maritime security, especially the exchange of information and experience on law enforcement at sea.

On the occasion, Deputy Foreign Minister Quy paid a courtesy call to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana who suggested that the two ministries should work with other ministries and agencies to effectively implement the outcomes of the visits of the senior leaders of both countries, as well as the signed agreements.

The two sides will coordinate to organise a visit of the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister to Vietnam in the near future.

VNA