President reiterates Vietnam’s policy of valuing ties with Sri Lanka
President Tran Dai Quang reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy of treasuring traditional friendship and all-around cooperation with Sri Lanka during a reception in Hanoi on April 17.
President Tran Dai Quang (R) and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – PresidentTran Dai Quang reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy of treasuring traditionalfriendship and all-around cooperation with Sri Lanka during a reception inHanoi on April 17 for Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The President expressed hisdelight at the fruitful outcomes of bilateral wide-ranging ties since theestablishment of their diplomatic relations 47 years ago, saying that two-waytrade has grown steadily, averaging 34 percent for 2010-2016.
He asked for increasing theexchange of delegations and meetings at all levels and effectively implementingexisting cooperation mechanisms towards reaching a two-way trade of 1 billionUSD, particularly in the fields of apparel, rubber, farm produce, fisheries, jewelry,footwear and machinery.
Both sides need to activelyimplement their Agreement on Investment Promotion and Protection signed inOctober 2009 and a portfolio of fields prioritised for investment under acooperation agreement between the two foreign investment agencies signed inOctober 2011, he said, adding that the two countries’ businesses also shouldactively join in trade promotion activities, technological transfer in fisheriesexploitation, processing and export, as well as promote connectivity via anagreement on air transport between the two governments that took effect inDecember 2012.
The host requested continuing tostrengthen cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums, especiallywithin the framework of the United Nations and the Non-Align Movement.
On the occasion, he asked SriLanka to back Vietnam’s run for non-permanent member of the United NationsSecurity Council for the 2020-2021 tenure and UNESCO Director General for2017-2021.
Vietnam welcomes and encouragesSri Lanka to enhance specific and practical collaboration with ASEAN,contributing to reinforcing ties between the bloc and the South AsianAssociation for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Wickremesinghe, for his part, briefed the host about the outcomes of his talkswith Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc, saying that both sides agreed tofurther boost economic and trade ties on the back of their solid politicalrelationship at present, as well as increase people-to-people exchange.
On regional and global issues, hesaid Sri Lanka supports a maritime environment of peace, strongly commits to complyingwith the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and stands readyto contribute to initiatives to ensure maritime freedom in the region.
He also thanked President Quangfor his sympathy with losses suffered by Sri Lankan people in a recent garbage dumpcollapse in the capital city of Colombo.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesingheis on an official visit to Vietnam from April 16-18 at the invitation of PrimeMinister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. The two sides issued a joint statement on theoccasion of the visit, under which, they agreed on major orientations tolifting bilateral ties to a new height.-VNA
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has said he hopes that Vietnam – Sri Lanka relations will further develop in a result-oriented manner for the two peoples’ interests.
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.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
President Tran Dai Quang (R) and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe (Source: VNA) 
