Sri Lankan President to visit Vietnam to attend Vesak 2025

Vietnam and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations on July 21, 1970. The two countries have traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation.

Political parties in Sri Lanka have sympathy and value relations with Vietnam, considering Vietnam a successful model in economic development for Sri Lanka to learn from. Sri Lanka has recognized Vietnam as having a full market economy.

Trade turnover between the two countries is still modest. In 2023, two-way trade turnover will be about 225.14 million USD. In 2024, two-way trade turnover will be about 215.5 million USD.

According to Sri Lanka's data, Vietnam is the 46th largest export partner (36.54 million USD) and the 23rd largest import partner (188.6 million USD). Sri Lanka assessed that although the import-export figures of the two countries have decreased, they are quite positive because the country is reforming its economy .

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka. Photo: BNG

Regarding defense, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral defense cooperation. Regarding security, the two sides signed an agreement on extradition and an agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons; cooperated mainly in sharing information and law enforcement experience; coordinated in preventing and combating transnational crimes and international terrorism; cooperated in improving law enforcement capacity and judicial support.

Sri Lanka has 69.3% of its population following Buddhism. The Buddhist relationship 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.

The 4th United Nations Vesak Festival was held in Vietnam and for the first time was organized by Ho Chi Minh City on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of national reunification and the 80th anniversary of National Day September 2.

Vesak 2025 has the theme “Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insight for World Peace and Sustainable Development” from April 28 to May 8. The ceremony will officially open on May 6 at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy (HCMC).

About 80 countries and 5 territories will attend the Great Festival with 616 delegations from Buddhist organizations, with a total of 1,200 international delegates (including 400 official delegates and 800 self-funded delegates).

The event is considered an active activity of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in the people's foreign policy, enhancing understanding, exchange, and close friendly cooperation between the Vietnamese people and international friends.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/tong-thong-sri-lanka-sap-tham-viet-nam-du-dai-le-phat-dan-vesak-2025-2396989.html