The messages were correspondingly cabled by President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne.

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also sent a congratulatory message to Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath.

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam, bilateral relations have over the past 55 years have achieved many encouraging milestones and accomplishments through regular exchange of delegations at all levels, the consistent maintenance of important cooperation mechanisms, and the implementation of various bilateral cooperation agreements.

Although still modest, two-way trade has remained relatively stable in recent years, at approximately US$300 million per year, and the two countries have committed to striving toward the goal of US$1 billion in trade volume in the near future.

It is encouraging to note that Sri Lanka currently has over 30 investment projects in Vietnam, with a total capital of over US$43 million, ranking 64th out of 150 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Meanwhile, Vietnam has one investment project in Sri Lanka in the construction sector, valued at around US$300,000.

Cooperation in culture, Buddhism, and people-to-people exchanges is becoming a strong pillar and an area of significant potential in bilateral relations. In 2024 alone, nearly 15,000 Sri Lankan visitors travelled to Vietnam. Religious institutions in both countries have been carrying out many meaningful programmes of cooperation and exchange.

The Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka is growing, currently comprising about 150 people, who are actively contributing to the local socio-economic development.

In the context of ongoing complex and unpredictable regional and global developments, Tam said, strengthening cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka is even more meaningful, not only for the benefit of both countries but also as a positive contribution to peace, stability, and sustainable development for humanity.

Accordingly, both sides should proactively implement the commitments and agreements made during recent high-level visits; prioritise promoting cooperation in key and potential sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and trade; and exchange practical measures and share experiences to expand economic–trade–investment cooperation.

Vietnam and Sri Lanka should also enhance collaboration to jointly address global challenges such as climate change, energy transition, and cybersecurity. These efforts would not only deepen bilateral ties but also contribute to security and development in the region and the world.

Last but not least, Ambassador Tam said, the two countries should continue to coordinate closely and support each other at the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and other cooperation mechanisms, thereby voicing a responsible commitment to peace, stability, and development in Asia in particular and the world at large.

Vietnam-Sri Lanka relations grow continuously over past 55 years: diplomat

Bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Sri Lanka has continued to achieve many significant milestones and encouraging successes through 55 years of establishment and development, despite ups and downs of the history, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam affirmed on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.