Vietnam, Sri Lanka elevate relations to comprehensive partnership

The agreement was announced after talks in Colombo between Vietnam's Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during To Lam's state visit to Sri Lanka.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents between ministries and agencies of the two countries before holding a joint press briefing.

Dissanayake said the visit reflected Vietnam's importance to relations with Sri Lanka and would help deepen bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both countries and regional development.

He praised Vietnam's development achievements and said Sri Lanka wanted to expand cooperation with Vietnam in areas where both sides had potential.

To Lam thanked Sri Lanka for its reception and congratulated the country on progress in economic recovery and social development following recent crises.

He said the two countries had built strong friendship and mutual trust over more than 55 years of diplomatic relations and shared similar interests in regional and global affairs.

Under the upgraded partnership, the two sides agreed to strengthen political, defense, and security cooperation, maintain high-level exchanges and expand coordination through party, state, parliamentary, and people-to-people channels.

They also agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, energy, and science and technology, while pursuing measures to raise bilateral trade to $1 billion and work toward a future bilateral trade and investment agreement.

To Lam welcomed plans by Vietnamese airlines to open direct flights between the two countries, calling the move a breakthrough for connectivity and broader cooperation.

Vietnam said it was ready to supply Sri Lanka with products including food and agricultural machinery, while Sri Lanka pledged incentives and favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses investing in the country.

The two leaders also agreed to expand cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, digital transformation, maritime security, cybersecurity, education, tourism, and technology transfer, including possible symbolic joint projects between the two countries.

Following the talks, the leaders witnessed the exchange of cooperation agreements covering security, science and technology, culture, information, and communications.