VN expects to strengthen ties with Sri Lanka

PM Nguyen Tan Dung (R) and Sri Lankan FM Gamini Lakshman Peiris, Hanoi, July 18, 2012 – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

PM Dung made the statement on July 18 in Hanoi while receiving Sri Lankan FM Gamini Lakshman Peiris who is now in Vietnam for the 3^rd meeting of the Vietnam-Sri Lanka Joint Committee on Economic, Scientific and Technological Co-operation.

He urged the Governments of the two countries to realize the signed agreements and boost cooperation in the areas of politics, security, national defense, economics, trade, investment, petroleum, culture, education, tourism and sports and strive to lift up the two-way trade turnover to about US$1 billion. 

Vietnam is ready to support for the closer ties between Sri Lanka and ASEAN, affirmed PM Dung.

The Vietnamese Government chief also expressed his hope that Sri Lanka would support peace, stability and freedom of navigation in the East Sea and peaceful settlement of disputes among relevant parties with respect for international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and working towards the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). 

Sri Lankan FM Peiris said that as one of the founding members of the UNCLOS, Sri Lanka advocates the principles of maritime security, freedom, and peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea on the basis of international law.

Sri Lanka vows to continue close coordination with Vietnam at regional and international forums and supports the Southeast Asian country’s candidacy for membership in the UN Human Rights Council for the 2014-2016 term, the top Sri Lankan diplomat said.

FM Peiris hoped that his visit would help boost the bilateral linkages in such areas like oil exploitation, agriculture and tourism. 

By Kim Loan