In an interview granted to Sri Lanka’s Daily Financial Time on October 13, Mr Sang noted that both Vietnam and Sri Lanka have developed relations of traditional friendship and all-round cooperation for many years.

The Vietnamese people bear in mind Sri Lanka’s support in their past struggle for national independence and the present cause of national construction and development, said Mr Sang

The President expressed hope that his current visit will contribute to promoting mutual trust and understanding, and expanding cooperation in various areas, especially in economics, trade and investment.

He said the visit will also offer a chance for Vietnamese and Sri Lankan leaders to share experience in national development, exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, and discuss measures to increase coordination in regional and international forums for peace, stability and common development.

Mr Sang noted that the friendly and cooperative relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka have developed well in recent times. Politically, both countries have increased contact at all levels, while supporting and working closely with each other in international forums such as the United Nations, and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Bilateral economic ties have grown and flourished with two-way trade increasing from US$30.1 million in 2000 to more than US$93 million in 2010. However, he said the results have not yet matched the two countries’ political relations and potential.

The President proposed that at the upcoming third session of the Vietnam-Sri Lanka Joint Commission to be held in Vietnam, both sides discuss specific cooperation areas to implement agreements to be signed during his visit.

Mr Sang reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy of strengthening the fine traditional friendship and cooperative relations with Sri Lanka. Accordingly, political relations will be consolidated and developed through increasing the exchange of visits at all levels, including between their Party, State and people delegations. Both sides will continue to support each other in regional and international forums and increase cooperation in the fight against terrorism and organized crime.

Mr Sang confirmed that as both countries still hold great potential for promoting cooperation in economics, trade and investment, they should focus on areas of their strengths such as oil and gas, agriculture, fisheries, livestock breeding, education, culture, tourism and construction.

Both countries will strive to raise two-way trade value to US$500 million by 2015. Vietnam will increase its exports, mostly farm products, consumer goods, agricultural machinery, rubber, seafood, electronic products, and building materials, to Sri Lanka. It can also participate in infrastructure reconstruction, telecommunication and construction projects in Sri Lanka.

He said through his first-ever visit to South Asia, Vietnam wants to increase relations with regional countries, including Sri Lanka. He expressed optimism about bright prospects for further developing these relations and said he believes his visit will help boost the trustful and closer political relations between the two countries, increase cooperation in economics, trade and investment, and open up new opportunities for cooperation in other areas.