Vietnam treasures ties with Sri Lanka
President Quang hailed the bilateral ties between the two nations since the establishment of their diplomatic relations 47 years ago, saying that two-way trade has grown steadily, averaging 34 % for 2010-2016.
He underlined the need to strengthen the exchange of delegations and meetings at all levels and effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms towards reaching a two-way trade of US$1 billion, particularly in the fields of apparel, rubber, farm produce, fisheries, jewelry, footwear and machinery.
 |
He asked businesses to actively join in trade promotion activities, technological transfer in fisheries exploitation, processing and export, as well as promote connectivity via an agreement on air transport between the two governments that took effect in December 2012.
President Quang suggested continuing to strengthen cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially within the framework of the United Nations and the Non-Align Movement.
On the occasion, he asked Sri Lanka to support Vietnam’s bid to run for non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure and UNESCO Director General for 2017-2021.
Vietnam welcomes and encourages Sri Lanka to enhance specific and practical collaboration with ASEAN to boost ties between the bloc and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Quang told his guest.
The Sri Lankan PM briefed the host on the outcomes of his talks with Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc, saying that both sides agreed to further boost economic and trade ties on the back of their solid political relationship at present, as well as increase people-to-people exchange.
On regional and global issues, he said Sri Lanka supports a maritime environment of peace, strongly commits to complying with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and stands ready to contribute to initiatives to ensure maritime freedom in the region.
He also thanked President Quang for his sympathy with huge losses suffered by Sri Lankan people in a recent garbage dump collapse in the capital city of Colombo.
