Vietnam always values the long-standing traditional friendship with Sri Lanka.

NDO - Receiving Sri Lankan Ambassador to Vietnam Sajeewa Umanga Mendis to bid farewell at the end of his term at the Presidential Palace on the afternoon of August 23, General Secretary andPresident To Lam affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to the long-standing traditional friendship with Sri Lanka; wishes to further develop bilateral relations, meeting the interests and aspirations of the people of the two countries.

General Secretary and President To Lam receives Ambassador Sajeewa Umanga Mendis. (Photo: DANG KHOA)

At the reception, General Secretary and President To Lam congratulated Ambassador Sajeewa Umanga Mendis on successfully completing his term of office, making positive contributions to strengthening and developing the Vietnam-Sri Lanka relationship; hoping that no matter what position he holds, the Ambassador will still have good memories of Vietnam and strive to promote good cooperation between the two countries. The General Secretary and President congratulated Sri Lanka, under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, on gradually stabilizing and gradually recovering its macro-economy, and believed that with the support of the international community, Sri Lanka will complete its socio-economic development goals, bringing a stable and prosperous life to its people. The General Secretary and President said that Vietnam always attaches importance to the long-standing traditional friendship with Sri Lanka; affirming that over nearly 55 years of establishing diplomatic relations, the two countries have always been close and supported each other in the process of national construction and development; Thank you for the friendship Sri Lanka has always had for Vietnam in general and President Ho Chi Minh in particular. Mutual trust is a solid foundation for the two countries to promote more effective cooperation in the coming time and on that foundation, we hope to further develop the bilateral relationship, meeting the interests and aspirations of the people of the two countries.

(Photo: DANG KHOA)

Assessing that trade cooperation between the two countries is still not commensurate with their potential, the General Secretary and President suggested that it is necessary to continue to promote cooperation further, especially in the field of agriculture, which plays a very important role in improving people's lives. The General Secretary and President also suggested that the two sides should further strengthen people-to-people exchanges, cooperation in culture, education, and Buddhism, which are areas of strength because the two countries have many cultural and historical connections; promote defense and security cooperation. Vietnam continues to encourage businesses to invest in Sri Lanka in areas of strength; and encourage humanitarian assistance between the two countries. Affirming that Southeast Asia and South Asia are the focus of the world's attention, the General Secretary and President suggested that the two countries continue to share strategic development issues; maintain mutual support at international and regional forums. Thanking the General Secretary and President for taking the time to receive Ambassador Sajeewa Umanga Mendis, he expressed his admiration for Vietnam's glorious history of fighting for national independence in the past, as well as the process of building and developing the country today; emphasizing that the Sri Lankan people always respect and admire President Ho Chi Minh, who led the Vietnamese people to overcome many great challenges. The Ambassador also thanked the Vietnamese government for always supporting Sri Lanka to overcome economic difficulties; supporting and sharing views with Sri Lanka in international and regional forums; and affirmed that no matter what position he holds, he will continue to contribute to fostering friendship and further promoting cooperation between the two countries.

Nhandan.vn

Source: https://nhandan.vn/viet-nam-luon-coi-trong-quan-he-huu-nghi-truyen-thong-lau-doi-voi-sri-lanka-post826467.html