Hanoi (VNA) – General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam hosted receptions for newly-accredited ambassadors from several countries who presented their credentials to the leader in Hanoi on September 17.

Receiving Sri Lankan Ambassador Poshitha Perera, Lam congratulated Sri Lanka for overcoming difficulties, maintain stability and achieving positive economic growth, making important contributions to stability in the region and the world.

He noted that the working tenure of the ambassador coincides with the 55th anniversary of Vietnam-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations (2025), which provides a chance for the two sides to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

The top leader suggested that the two sides should promote political trust and increase the exchanges of delegations and meetings at high and all levels.

Regarding economic partnership, Lam affirmed that Vietnam commits to support Sri Lanka in agricultural development, promote people-to-people exchanges and tourism development, and strengthening business activities between the two countries.

He agreed on the launching of a direct air route between the two countries to create favourable conditions for people-to-people exchange activities. Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge for Sri Lanka to expand its ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), he said, pledging to support Sri Lanka at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations.

For his part, Perera expressed his delight at the development of the bilateral relations, holding that it is a foundation for more breakthrough expansion in cooperation between the two countries.

Reviewing the traditional ties between the two countries, he said that President Ho Chi Minh visited Sri Lanka three times. The Sri Lankan people always keep in their mind the image of the late Vietnamese leader, he stated.

Noting that the two sides have enjoyed growing collaboration, especially in education, agriculture and religious affairs, the diplomat said he hoped the two countries will strengthen agricultural cooperation in the future. He expressed his hope that during his working tenure, a direct air route between the two nations will be launched for stronger people-to-people exchange and tourism cooperation.

At a reception for Austrian Ambassador Philippo Agathonnos, Lam underlined that Vietnam always attaches importance to the development of traditional friendship and cooperation with Austria, and showed pleasure at the remarkable progress of cooperation in various fields such as politics - diplomacy, economy, development cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. Particularly, the exchange of delegations at all level, especially high level through all channels have created important motivations for the expansion of cooperation between the two countries, he said.

Lam highly evaluated the effective implementation of joint projects between the two countries over the years, which has made positive contributions to socio-economic development of Vietnam. Bilateral collaboration in culture, education, science-technology, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges has also been expanded, he noted.

The top leader suggested during his working tenure in Vietnam, the Austrian ambassador will work to promote delegation exchanges at all levels, especially high level to further strengthen political trust, thus motivating cooperation in other areas.

At the same time, the two sides should work closely together to make full use of advantage of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), while encouraging and creating favourable conditions for Austrian businesses to strengthen cooperation, investment and technology transfer in Vietnam, he said.

The Vietnamese leader also proposed Agathonnos advise the Austrian Parliament to finalise procedures to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) at an early date to provide optimal conditions for the promotion of equal and win-win investment cooperation between the two sides and for Austrian businesses in Vietnam.

Lam also expressed his belief that the ambassador will make positive contributions to the reinforcement of traditional friendship and all-round cooperation between Vietnam and Austria. Agathonnos expressed his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Vietnam over the severe damage caused by Typhoon Yagi.

He emphasised that after more than half a century of diplomatic relations, cooperation between Vietnam and Austria has deepened in various areas, such as politics, diplomacy, economy, people-to-people exchanges, and culture.

The diplomat also highly valued cooperation between the EU and Vietnam, stressing that this provides a favourable condition to further promote multifaceted cooperation between the two countries in the coming time.

Austria also has strengths in cybersecurity, and search and rescue, and is eager to cooperate with Vietnam, the diplomat noted, affirming that during his tenure, he will strive to further promote extensive and deeper cooperation between Vietnam and Austria, and other EU countries.

On the same day, Lam received letters of credentials presented by 14 ambassadors from Costa Rica, Malta, Sudan, Zambia, Mauritius, Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Rwanda, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Botswana, and Bhutan.

The Vietnamese top leader warmly welcomed the ambassadors who have been appointed to assume their duties in Vietnam.

Vietnam consistently remembers and deeply appreciates the valuable support of people around the world for the Southeast Asian nation, he stated, affirming that throughout nearly 80 years of Vietnam's development, the support and assistance of international friends, including the countries represented by the ambassadors, have been indispensable.

After its nearly 40 years of renewal, Vietnam is standing at a new historical juncture, entering a "new era, the era of Vietnam's rise," he said.

According to the leader, from a war-torn country, Vietnam is now known as a symbol of peace, stability, and hospitality, as well as an attractive destination for tourists and international investors. The country has risen to become one of the 40 largest economies in the world, with trade ranking among the top 20 in the world. It has established diplomatic relations with 193 countries, including strategic partnerships and comprehensive partnerships with 30 nations.

Lam stressed that amid current global fluctuations, Vietnam remains steadfast in its foreign policy of “independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, and diversification and multilateralisation of foreign relations” and “being a friend, a reliable partner, and a proactive and responsible member of the international community.”

He expressed his belief that through cooperation and joint efforts, Vietnam and other countries can jointly build a peaceful and sustainable world, establish a fair international political and economic order based on the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law, and address global common challenges.

Showing his desire to continue receiving support and close cooperation of friends and partners worldwide, Lam said he hoped the diplomats will well fulfill their roles as "bridges" promoting friendship and cooperation, contributing to further elevating relations between Vietnam and the countries they represent.

Vietnam will provide favourable conditions for the ambassadors to successfully complete their missions, he stressed./.