According to Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong, the visit is of special importance, serving as a milestone that could help shape a new phase in Vietnam–Sri Lanka relations. Beyond a routine high-level diplomatic engagement, it carries a broader strategic message about Vietnam’s intention to expand and deepen its engagement with South Asia.

The visit, made at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, will be the highest-level trip by a Vietnamese leader to Sri Lanka since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1970. It underscores Vietnam’s regard for its traditional partner while reflecting a forward-looking strategy to strengthen cooperation across the region.

Looking back over more than five decades of relations, the Deputy FM noted that Vietnam and Sri Lanka have built a solid foundation based on longstanding friendship and mutual support during their struggles for national independence.

He also highlighted historical connections, recalling that President Ho Chi Minh visited Sri Lanka three times during his journey for national liberation (in 1911, 1928, 1946), a legacy that continues to foster strong goodwill between the two peoples.

People in Sri Lanka have always held President Ho Chi Minh in special esteem, he said, adding that the upcoming visit would further reinforce this traditional friendship.

The visit also comes at a significant moment for Sri Lanka, as the country continues its recovery and development following recent economic challenges. Vietnam’s high-level presence is seen as a message of solidarity and willingness to accompany traditional partners in their development journey.

Vietnam always stands alongside its friends, including Sri Lanka, Deputy FM Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasised.

In his analysis, Sri Lanka holds an important geopolitical position along key maritime routes in the Indian Ocean and represents a promising market of nearly 30 million consumers. Strengthening ties with Sri Lanka therefore offers Vietnam not only bilateral benefits but also broader opportunities to access South Asian markets, diversify supply chains, and expand economic cooperation.

The visit is expected to generate new momentum for cooperation across multiple areas, including trade, investment, maritime cooperation, port connectivity, as well as cultural exchange, tourism, and people-to-people ties.

In recent years, the two countries have established several important cooperation mechanisms, including a joint committee at the foreign minister level and regular political consultations. Following the visit to Vietnam by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in 2025, both sides signed a number of agreements in areas such as agriculture and education, creating a favourable legal framework for future cooperation.

However, the Deputy FM acknowledged that economic ties remain below potential. Bilateral trade currently stands at just over US$200 million, a modest figure compared to the size and needs of both economies.

Despite this, he expressed optimism as Sri Lanka gradually stabilises and returns to a growth trajectory, opening up opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in trade and investment.

We expect to set higher targets, including large-scale investment projects by Vietnamese enterprises in Sri Lanka, he said.

In addition, cultural and tourism cooperation, particularly Buddhist spiritual tourism, has emerged as a bright spot in bilateral relations. Plans to launch direct flights in the near future are expected to enhance connectivity and further boost people-to-people exchanges.

Overall, Deputy FM Cuong emphasised that the visit by the top Vietnamese leader represents not only a symbolic milestone but also a practical opportunity to elevate Vietnam–Sri Lanka relations toward greater depth, effectiveness, and substance.

Placed within Vietnam’s broader foreign policy, alongside engagements with India, the Sri Lanka visit underscores the country’s growing focus on South Asia and its commitment to promoting deeper regional cooperation for peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Party chief and President To Lam to pay state visit to Sri Lanka

VOV.VN - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President To Lam will pay a state visit to Sri Lanka on May 7-8 at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press communique.