Deputy PM: Vietnam wants to develop ties with Sri Lanka
Vietnam always treasures and wants to further develop its traditional friendship with Sri Lanka, Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said on August 27.
Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam always treasures and wants to further develop itstraditional friendship with Sri Lanka, Deputy Prime Minister cum ForeignMinister Pham Binh Minh said on August 27.
Ata meeting with Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe, who came to Vietnam toco-chair the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), Minh thanked Sri Lanka forsupporting Vietnam’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United NationsSecurity Council for the 2020-2021 term.
Heproposed Sri Lanka express a more active voice in the East Sea issue by backingthe stance of Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),especially in the principled matters such as freedom of navigation and aviation,respect for international law and settlement of disputes through peacefulmeasures.
Wickremesinghecommended Vietnam’s great achievements in socio-economic development in recentyears and affirmed that Sri Lanka would continue closely coordinating withVietnam in regional and international forums, particularly the United Nationsand the Non-Aligned Movement.
Bothleaders held that the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation havebeen developing fruitfully in recent years. They agreed to increase theexchange of visits at all levels and through Party, State, Government andNational Assembly channels.
Minhand Wickremesinghe said economic and trade ties between the two nations haveseen progress but failed to catch up with their huge potential. They consentedto soon organise the second meeting of the joint trade subcommittee in Vietnamto set out specific measures in an effort to lift bilateral trade to 1 billionUSD in 2020.
Thetwo sides agreed to hold the fourth meeting of the Vietnam-Sri Lanka jointcommittee in 2019 and early sign a memorandum of understanding on fisherycooperation over the next three years.
Theyalso concurred that Vietnam and Sri Lanka need to give priority and expandcooperation in other potential fields such as education-training,telecommunications, information and digital technology, oil and gas, aviation,maritime transportation, agricultural and aquatic product processing anddistribution, cultural and youth exchanges, arts, Buddhism and sports.-VNA
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have friendly political relations. Economic and trade ties between the two countries have been constantly tightened and developed.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka will provide favourable conditions for their enterprises to seek business and investment opportunities, senior diplomats have said.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka has launched an international tender to purchase 200,000 tonnes of rice, providing an excellent opportunity for Vietnamese rice exporters.
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 lift up the Vietnam-Sri Lanka partnership.
A classical music concert featuring renowned Sri Lankan and Vietnamese musicians will take place at the Vietnam National Academy of Music in Hanoi on June 22.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe (Photo: VNA) 
