Lanka, Vietnam ties based on principles of non alignment - Minister

Ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam is based on the principles of non alignment. Diplomatic ties between both countries are at a very high level. Top level delegations from both countries have been visiting each other on a regular basis. Seven ministers and two business delegations from Sri Lanka have already visited Vietnam, said Justice Minister and SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem following the signing of a MOU between the Justice Ministry's of Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Minister Hakeem and his Vietnamese counterpart Ha Hung Cuong signed the document on behalf of their respective Governments, states a Justice Ministry release .

Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem Vietnamese Justice Minister Ha Hung Cuong signing the MOU between the Justice Ministry's of Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

The release adds: Minister Hakeem said Sri Lanka has seen rapid development in several sectors after the end of three decades of conflict and Vietnam has always supported Sri Lanka at international forums. Minister Hakeem is on an official visit to Vietnam.

The Vietnamese and Sri Lankan ministers explained the steps taken by both governments in the fields of socio - economic development, poverty alleviation and new initiatives taken in the fields of legal justice.

Minister Ha Hung Cuong explained the measures taken by his government with regard to integration within the region and beyond. Vietnam is in the process of amending its constitution in keeping with global trends and to broad base peoples participation in governance and socio - economic development. A National Election Council will be set up by the end of 2013.

Both ministers discussed ways and means to implement provisions contained in the MOU. Official focal points will be nominated from both countries for this purpose and to develop an action plan.

Minister Hakeem also invited Vietnam to consider the inclusion Colombo as an arbitration centre once the centre is set up at the end of this year. According to Vietnamese law, only domestic parties are allowed to opt for arbitration. When international parties are involved, any dispute is resolved through courts. However, there are moves to allow arbitration in this situation. If the Colombo arbitration centre is run efficiently, Vietnam might consider choosing Colombo.

Minister Hakeem also visited the Truc Lam Tay Thien Monestry in the Vinh Phuc Province of Vietnam. He met the Chief Bhikku Thich Kein Nguyet who explained the history of Buddhism in Vietnam. It was King Asoka that sent a delegation to Vietnam with the message of Buddhism at the same time his son Arahath Mahinda was sent to Sri Lanka.

Minister Hakeem also had a meeting with the Deputy Permanent Secretary and the Head of National Assembly delegation Vinh Phuc Province.

Minister Hakeem also paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at the mausoleum. The Minister also had discussions with representatives of the Vietnamese Lawyers Union. Justice Ministry Additional Secretary Kumar Ekarathne and Consultant (Legal) M.H.M. Salman also accompanied the Minister on his visit.