Prime Minister meets with Sri Lankan Head of State in Ha Noi

Rewritten Article:

PM Phạm Minh Chính Meets Sri Lankan President in Hà Nội

Bye-bye formalities, let's dive right in:

Hà Nội - Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính chatted it up with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka this Monday, as part of the latter's state visit and participation in the UN Day of Vesak 2025 bash in good 'ol Việt Nam.

PM Chính showered his Sri Lankan counterpart with kudos for picking Việt Nam as his third international destination (and first in Southeast Asia) since stepping into office. Chính thought it was telling of Sri Lanka's high regard for our Vietnam-Vietnam relations, considering they just celebrated their 55th anniversary of diplomatic friendship.

Chính brought up the tight bond between Việt Nam and Sri Lanka, which he said was anchored in shared Buddhist values and a mutual desire for peace, independence, freedom, and happiness. In the past, President Hò̀ Chí Minh made his way to Sri Lanka multiple times (first in 1911, then in 1928, and lastly in 1946)—each visit helping forge the friendship between the two countries.

President Dissanayaka didn't miss an opportunity to applaud the achievements of the Vietnamese people, particularly their unwavering spirit demonstrated throughout the struggle for independence. He went on to express admiration for Việt Nam's current economic growth and innovation, positioning it as a role model for other countries in recovery.

Dissanayaka acknowledged Việt Nam as a reliable source of inspiration and a successful model of economic development, with the country now regarded as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The Sri Lankan President was eager to learn from Việt Nam's developmental experience and strategies.

PM Chính gave Dissanayaka the lowdown on some of Việt Nam's strategic priorities, including reforming the economic growth model, streamlining state apparatus, advancing science and technology, and building a self-reliant and independent economy. Dissanayaka appreciated these insights, expressing a desire for ongoing knowledge exchanges between the two nations.

Both leaders agreed that their friendship, based on shared values and mutual trust, should pave the way for closer cooperation across various sectors. With favorable conditions and mutual consensus, they envisioned elevating their bilateral relations to new heights.

In terms of strengthening economic, trade, and investment ties, they emphasized the need for enhanced market access, improved connectivity, and increased trade activities. They discussed the possibility of negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement and an investment protection and promotion deal. Moreover, they agreed to leverage existing cooperation mechanisms, like the Joint Committee and Trade Subcommittee, to promote economic growth and mutual benefit.

Sri Lanka expressed the intent to support Vietnamese companies that export products matching its demands and offered favorable conditions for Vietnamese investment in key projects. The leaders were also open to collaboration in digital transformation, green transition, high-tech agriculture, and science and technology, particularly emerging technologies.

On regional and global issues, they shared common perspectives and agreed to strengthen mutual support at multilateral forums like the United Nations. Lastly, PM Chính extended a warm invitation to Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, hoping to welcome her in Việt Nam soon. - VNS

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính meets with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka in Hà Nội on Monday. VNA/VNS Photo

Straight from the horse's mouth:

The meeting between Vietnamese and Sri Lankan leaders was chock-full of discussions regarding enhancing economic, trade, and investment ties between the two countries. Here's the lowdown on the focus areas:

Trade Target and Market Access: The main goal is to reach $1 billion in trade. They aim to do so by signing relevant economic and trade agreements to boost market access and facilitate supply chains.
Economic Cooperation: Both nations are committed to increasing economic integration and strengthening ties in various sectors. The focus is on addressing global economic challenges and fostering cooperation for mutual growth.
Investment Areas: Sri Lanka has expressed interest in attracting Vietnamese investment in fields such as agriculture, renewable energy, electronics, manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
Cooperation Agreements: Several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to boost bilateral cooperation, including one on trade promotion cooperation between the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.
Multilateral Cooperation: The leaders agreed to deepen mutual support at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and to encourage cooperation through South-South cooperation.
Infrastructure and Connectivity:They discussed the potential for establishing direct flight routes to enhance connectivity and cooperation between the two countries.
During their meeting in Hanoi, PM Pham Minh Chinh and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka discussed the augmentation of economic, trade, and investment ties between their nations, aiming to reach a trade value of $1 billion.
In line with this, they highlighted the importance of signing relevant economic and trade agreements to secure enhanced market access and expedite supply chains.
The Vietnamese and Sri Lankan leaders agreed on the need for increased economic integration and sectoral cooperation, focusing on addressing global economic challenges and fostering mutual growth.
Sri Lanka expressed an interest in attracting Vietnamese investment in several areas, including agriculture, renewable energy, electronics, manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
As part of their commitment to promoting bilateral cooperation, several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, including one on trade promotion cooperation between the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.
The leaders emphasized the significance of deepening mutual support at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, and encouraging cooperation through South-South cooperation.
In the realm of infrastructure and connectivity, they explored the possibility of establishing direct flight routes to bolster connectivity and cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.