Exploiting the potential of cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on July 21, 1970, the two countries have always been close and supported each other in the process of national construction and development. Sri Lanka is a traditional friend, sympathetic and attaches importance to relations with Vietnam. The two peoples share many things in common, including their attachment to Buddhism. With the common appreciation of the values of peace and compassion, Buddhism is the spiritual thread that connects the affection and friendship between the people of Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

The cooperation in Buddhism between the two countries has achieved certain results through delegation exchanges; support and participation in international conferences and activities related to religion organized by both sides; creating favorable conditions for the Buddhists of the two countries to increase exchanges and sharing of Buddhist teachings; and sending monks and nuns to Sri Lanka to study.

Besides, Sri Lanka always expresses its strong solidarity with Vietnam in our people's struggle against colonialism to regain independence and freedom for the Fatherland.

Generations of Sri Lankan leaders and people have always admired, respected and loved President Ho Chi Minh . In 2013, Sri Lanka inaugurated the Ho Chi Minh Monument and the Vietnam-Ho Chi Minh Space in the capital Colombo. Up to that time, this was the only foreign leader's monument placed in a public area in Sri Lanka, becoming a vivid demonstration of the long-standing traditional relationship and solidarity between the two countries and peoples of Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

The current government of Sri Lanka considers Vietnam a model of economic development and successful international integration to learn from. Sri Lanka has recognized Vietnam as having a full market economy.

The two sides maintain high-level visits and contacts, and have good cooperation through the Party, National Assembly and people channels. To date, Vietnam and Sri Lanka have established three bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including: Joint Committee on Economics, Science and Technology; Political Consultation; Joint Trade Subcommittee. Sri Lanka has four friendship organizations with Vietnam, while Vietnam has established the 14th National Assembly Friendship Parliamentarians' Group with Sri Lanka and the Vietnam-Sri Lanka Friendship Association.

In 2024, two-way trade turnover will reach about 215.5 million USD, still quite modest compared to the potential of the two countries. Regarding investment, Sri Lanka has 32 valid projects in Vietnam with a total registered investment capital of 43.07 million USD, ranking 62nd among countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Cooperation in other fields such as finance, agriculture, education, transportation, culture, tourism, religion, people-to-people exchange... has great potential, maintained and promoted by more than 30 signed documents.

On the basis of friendship and close cooperation, the two countries continue to coordinate well at international and regional forums. Sri Lanka supports Vietnam's candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term and Vietnam supports Sri Lanka's candidacy for the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2025-2027 term. Vietnam supports Sri Lanka's candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the Colombo Plan for the 2022-2026 term. Recently, Sri Lanka supported Vietnam's candidacy for the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the 2023-2027 term and Vietnam supports Sri Lanka's candidacy for the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2023-2027 term.

The reception of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka for a State visit to Vietnam and attendance at the United Nations Day of Vesak sends a strong message about Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralization. The visit contributes to strengthening political trust and promoting cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka in all aspects such as politics, diplomacy, security, defense, economy, trade, investment, people-to-people exchange, etc. to become more substantive and effective.

Mutual trust and close ties between the people of the two countries have created a solid foundation for Vietnam and Sri Lanka to continue promoting more effective cooperation in the coming time, meeting the interests and aspirations of the people of the two countries.

Wishing President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka's State visit to Vietnam and attendance at the United Nations Day of Vesak a great success, creating new breakthroughs for the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/khai-pha-tiem-nang-hop-tac-giua-viet-nam-va-sri-lanka-post877067.html