Sri Lanka, Vietnam relations on new footing

President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at a banquet hosted by Vietnamese President, Nguyen Minh- Triet yesterday noted that his visit to Vietnam would herald a new chapter in Sri Lanka- Vietnam relations.

“The relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam are based on the firm foundation of shared values and historical experiences. The message of the Buddha of tolerance and compassion for all and of seeking out the right and true path has influenced the thinking of our people,” he said.

President Rajapaksa recalled that the people of Sri Lanka were firmly behind and supportive of the national liberation struggle of the people of Vietnam, which prompted Sri Lanka to celebrate it on the April 30, 1975.

Referring to the direct action of the Sri Lankan Government to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam, the President said: “It is a source of great pride and satisfaction that Sri Lanka was among the first in South Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the early seventies”.

He insisted on the necessity of reopening of the Embassy of Vietnam in Sri Lanka, to further strengthen the bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between the two nations and said that the Embassy of Vietnam will be reopened in Colombo at an early date.

“We in Sri Lanka, hold your country in high esteem for your efforts in defending national independence and achieving national reunification.

The sacrifices made by the people of Vietnam have not been in-vain. Vietnam has been an inspiration to us. We watch with admiration Vietnam’s economic achievements,” President Rajapaksa said.

The President said: “Today Vietnam has emerged as a vibrant nation. Vietnam also plays an important and significant role in global issues, especially related to peace and security, as a member of the United Nations Security Council.”

Commending the efforts taken by the Government of Vietnam to achieve a sustainable growth in its economy, President Rajapaksa said that Vietnam, under the leadership of its President Minh-Triet has registered a remarkable development.

“We also look forward to welcoming joint ventures from Vietnam. With the signing of the Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement between our two countries during my visit, I’m confident that investors from Vietnam would be encouraged to invest in Sri Lanka,” the President said.

“My Government was able due to the commitment of the Sri Lankan Armed forces and people to liberate our motherland from the heavy yoke of terrorism which oppressed us for over two and a half decades. We are now successfully turning to the next tasks we have to address, of rehabilitation and reconstruction,” he added.

President Rajapaksa said that measures should be taken to ensure that both Sri Lanka and Vietnam never again face the menace of terrorism including from the sea.

President Rajapaksa while thanking the Government of Vietnam for its extended support and cooperation given to Sri Lanka said that the country seeks to become a Dialogue Partner of ASIEN and is looking forward for support by Vietnam in this endeavour.