Vietnam and Sri Lanka release joint statement

Rewritten Article:

In the bustling heart of Hà Nội, the capital city of Việt Nam, leaders from two nations gathered to witness a significant turning point in their relationship. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka’s state visit to Việt Nam, held from May 4-6, 2025, culminated in a series of agreements aimed at strengthening ties and fostering cooperation between the two countries.

Here's a peek at the joint statement, laying out the key areas where both nations aim to collaborate:

Elevating Economic Ties

With an eye on future prosperity, Việt Nam and Sri Lanka aim to boost bilateral trade to a stunning $1 billion. To achieve this goal, both countries are planning to review existing agreements and negotiate a potential Free Trade Agreement under favorable conditions [1][2].

Collaboration Across Sectors

The strategic partnership between Việt Nam and Sri Lanka will extend beyond economic affairs. Cooperation is planned across the agricultural, artificial intelligence, and defense sectors, with the sole purpose of driving mutual development and regional security [3].

Strengthening Security and Stability

In an effort to ensure regional stability and peace, both nations are looking to bolster cooperation in peacekeeping, maritime security, and prevention of transnational crimes [1].

Enhancing Diplomatic and People-to-People Ties

Recognizing the importance of dialogue and collaboration at all levels, both countries are committed to increasing meetings through Party, State, Government, and National Assembly channels, as well as bolstering people-to-people exchanges [1].

Signing Key MoUs and Agreements

The state visit resulted in the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and one bilateral agreement, marking significant steps in the evolution of bilateral relations [4].

The Summit aimed to deepen the strategic partnership between Việt Nam and Sri Lanka across multiple sectors, fostering economic growth, security cooperation, and diplomatic engagement. As the two nations look forward, the spirit of unity, cooperation, and shared values promise a bright and prosperous future for their alliance.

[1] VNS. (2025, May 7). Việt Nam, Sri Lanka consolidate comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam News. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://vietnamnews.vn/politics-laws/911230/viet-nam-sri-lanka-consolidate-comprehensive-strategic-partnership.html

[2] Xinhua. (2025, May 6). Sri Lanka, Việt Nam agree to further strengthen comprehensive strategic partnership. Xinhua Net. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2025-05/06/c_179715527.htm

[3] The Straits Times. (2025, May 5). Vietnam, Sri Lanka agree to expand cooperation in agriculture, artificial intelligence, and defence. The Straits Times. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/vietnam-sri-lanka-agree-to-expand-cooperation-in-agriculture-artificial-intelligence-and

[4] Mizzima. (2025, May 7). Sri Lanka inks four agreements with Vietnam, MoU on defence cooperation. Mizzima. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.mizzima.com/news/inside-myanmar/2025-05-07-sri-lanka-inks-four-agreements-with-vietnam-mou-on-defence-cooperation/

Key Enrichment Insights:

President Lương Cường and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka witness the signing of a MoU between the two countries. VNA/VNS Photo

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Both Việt Nam and Sri Lanka aspire to develop a comprehensive strategic partnership that covers various sectors, such as trade, industry, defense, and culture, to promote mutual development and ensure regional security.
Signed Agreements: During the state visit, they signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and one bilateral agreement covering areas such as defense, investment, tourism, and education, symbolizing a significant step in their partnership.
Strategic Location: Sri Lanka's strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it a crucial player in regional geopolitics, with the potential to act as an economic hub for the region.
Peace and Stability: Both nations underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, emphasizing the need for adherence to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Multilateral Fora: Both nations agreed to further deepen cooperation and coordination on issues of vital interest to the Global South in regional and multilateral fora, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and UN climate change negotiations.

The comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Sri Lanka seeks to bolster ties in sectors such as trade, defense, and culture.
In a bid to boost bilateral trade, both nations plan to review existing agreements and negotiate a potential Free Trade Agreement under favorable conditions.
Alongside economic integration, collaboration is also planned across sectors like agricultural, artificial intelligence, and defense, with the aim of driving mutual development and regional security.
Recognizing the importance of dialogue, both countries commit to increasing meetings through Party, State, Government, and National Assembly channels.
The leaders of the two nations also emphasized the need to strengthen people-to-people exchanges to foster a deeper understanding and respect for each other's cultures.
As part of their collaboration, they signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and one bilateral agreement, marking significant steps in their strategic partnership.
The MoUs and agreements cover areas such as defense, investment, tourism, and education, underscoring the commitment of both nations to strengthen their alliance.
In addition to the agreements, Vietnam and Sri Lanka aim to work together to ensure peace and stability in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.
The nations reiterated their commitment to adhering to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Beyond regional issues, both Vietnam and Sri Lanka agreed to further deepen cooperation and coordination on issues of vital interest to the Global South in regional and multilateral fora, such as ASEAN and UN climate change negotiations.
The collaboration between the two nations extends to the realm of science, with joint research initiatives aimed at addressing pressing global challenges like climate change.
The strategic partnership between Vietnam and Sri Lanka also has implications for the business community, with opportunities for trade and investments arising from the strengthened ties.
The election of the respective leaders of the two nations reflects the shared values and commitments towards peace, development, and cooperation, welcoming a new era in Vietnam-Sri Lanka relations.