HÀ NỘI – The third Việt Nam-Sri Lanka political consultation took place in Colombo on Wednesday, during which the two sides agreed to roll out measures to improve bilateral ties. Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Đặng Đình Quý and his Sri Lankan counterpart Sumith Nakandala co-chaired the event.

Speaking highly of the sound friendship and all-round partnership between the two countries, Quý agreed to propose an early visit by Vietnamese leaders to Sri Lanka.

Nakandala said the consultation was one of the important mechanisms to boost the growth of bilateral ties and agreed to hold the fourth meeting of the bilateral Joint Committee soon in 2018.

Realising that trade and investment were the key pillars in bilateral cooperation, the two sides agreed to organise the second meeting of the Sub-Committee on Trade Cooperation in Việt Nam to speed up initiatives and measures to reach the target of US$1 billion in two-way trade by 2020.

At the same time, the two sides will create favourable conditions for their businesses to seek partnership, especially in tea, pharmaceuticals, garments, telecommunications, aquatic farming and processing, logistics, education, oil and gas and construction material production.

Sri Lanka took note of Việt Nam’s suggestion on enhancing cooperation in exporting rice and milk. The two countries also vowed to boost ties in culture and tourism. 

Việt Nam and Sri Lanka further committed to work closely and support each other at regional and international forums. Sri Lanka acknowledged Việt Nam’s proposal to support the latter’s bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council during the 2020-21 tenure. 

Sri Lanka also affirmed the significance of maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea, maritime and aviation freedom and unhindered trade activities, as well as the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982.

It proposed enhancing cooperation in maritime security, especially in exchange of information and experience on law enforcement at sea.

Quý made a courtesy call to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana, who suggested that the two ministries should work with other ministries and agencies to effectively implement the outcomes of visits by senior leaders of both the countries as well as signed agreements.

The two sides promised to organise a visit of the Sri Lankan foreign minister to Việt Nam soon.  — VNS