The visit, she said in an interview with New Delhi-based VOV correspondents, goes beyond a routine high-level diplomatic engagement, holding particular significance as an opportunity to transform Vietnam–Sri Lanka ties from “potential” into more substantive and result-oriented cooperation, supported by concrete commitments and long-term strategic direction.

This will be the first visit to Sri Lanka by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1970. This first-ever milestone, she said, gives the visit historic importance, building on previous high-level exchanges while acting as a strong political impetus for future cooperation.

“We are moving beyond potential and traditional friendship toward more concrete, practical and effective outcomes,” the Ambassador noted.

From her perspective, the visit,  at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is expected to deliver three key outcomes: strengthening high-level political trust as a foundation for long-term strategic relations; promoting cooperation across key pillars such as trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, education and tourism; and enhancing people-to-people exchanges.

She emphasised that stronger public engagement would allow bilateral ties to extend beyond government-level cooperation and develop into a more durable connection between the two countries.

Reflecting on 56 years of diplomatic relations, the ambassador affirmed that Vietnam and Sri Lanka have achieved positive results at both bilateral and multilateral levels. The two countries have maintained regular exchanges of delegations, closely coordinated at international forums, and shared similarities in their historical struggles for independence as well as their aspirations for sustainable and self-reliant development.

These shared experiences, she noted, have helped build a high level of political trust - a key prerequisite for expanding cooperation across other sectors.

In economic terms, bilateral trade has remained stable at around US$300–400 million annually despite global challenges, with both sides aiming to raise the figure to US$1 billion in the coming years.

The ambassador also highlighted Sri Lanka’s recognition of Vietnam as a market economy in 2011 as a sign of mutual trust and support. Cooperation in agriculture and fisheries - areas of strength for both maritime economies - has produced tangible results, contributing to Sri Lanka’s food security.

However, she acknowledged that current cooperation still falls short of its full potential. Trade remains modest relative to the combined population of around 120 million people, while two-way investment is unbalanced, with Vietnam yet to develop projects in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has expressed interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and agro-processing, while sectors like tourism, logistics, and transport connectivity also offer significant untapped opportunities.

To unlock this potential, Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam stressed the need to improve the implementation of signed agreements.

“In addition to signing documents, we need concrete action plans, clear roadmaps, and effective monitoring mechanisms,” she said, adding that stronger connections between business communities in both countries would be crucial, as enterprises are the primary drivers of economic value.

Looking ahead, she also underscored the importance of prioritising sustainable sectors such as digital transformation, the green economy, climate change response, and human resource development.

In her overall assessment, the visit by the top Vietnamese leader represents not only a symbolic milestone but also a practical opportunity to translate decades of accumulated potential into concrete outcomes.

With strong political trust, complementary needs, and mutual commitment, Vietnam–Sri Lanka relations are well positioned to enter a new phase that is more substantive, effective, and sustainable.

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.