President wraps up visit to Sri Lanka

During the inauguration of the Vietnamese Embassy on the same day, Sang affirmed the Vietnamese State and people's determination in further strengthening and promoting bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka, which is still recuperating after years of civil war.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister D M Jayaratne in turn gave his support to expanding and promoting relations between the two countries.

At a reception for leaders of the Sri Lanka-Viet Nam Solidarity Movement, Sang affirmed Viet Nam's commitment to developing its friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Sri Lanka as well as its support for the Movement and its activities.

Sang stressed the need for greater efforts in popularising Viet Nam's image and its socio-economic achievements.

Receiving Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Gamini Lakshman Peiris, Sang affirmed Viet Nam's continued support for Sri Lanka in its national reconstruction cause.

Following Sang's visit, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka issued a joint communique, expressing both sides' satisfaction at the development of bilateral relations over the past 40 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1970.

The two sides further applauded the establishment of an inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanism, agreeing to increase high-level exchanges and dialogues based on security and defence.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding on bilateral political consultations, machinery manufacturing, investment promotion, and co-operation in education, finance, defence and oil and gas sales.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa welcomed Viet Nam's investment in local telecom services, equipment, technology and hotels, further inviting Vietnamese businesses to seek opportunities in Sri Lanka.

The two countries showed deep interest in developing comprehensive cooperation in the energy sector, including on exploration and exploitation activities, and the sharing of technologies and experience.

Agreement was reached on encouraging favourable conditions for visitors to visit Buddhist venues in both countries to further boost two-way tourism.

They also stressed the need for better air links between the two countries to more effectively exploit tourism potential.

Each side strongly condemned terrorism and expressed determination to strengthen cooperation in joint efforts to prevent acts of aggression.

The two sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation at regional and international forums.

Sri Lanka affirmed its support for Viet Nam's bid to become a member of the UN Human Rights Council during 2013-16.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa accepted President Sang's invitation to visit Viet Nam at his earliest convenience. — VNS