General Secretary and President To Lam is currently on a state visit to Sri Lanka from 7-8/5, at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

This visit carries an important diplomatic message, demonstrating Vietnam's regard for Sri Lanka and the South Asian region. It marks the highest-level visit by a Vietnamese leader to Sri Lanka since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1970, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The visit will strengthen the traditional friendship and deepen the bond between the leaders and people of both nations, a relationship cultivated throughout history. As Sri Lanka emerges from its recent crisis and strives for national recovery and development, the visit underscores Vietnam's solidarity and commitment to standing alongside its traditional friends.

General Secretary and President To Lam arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka on the evening of 7/5. Photo: VNA

Furthermore, the visit aims to create new momentum and shape the framework for future cooperation. Sri Lanka holds a significant strategic position, guarding a crucial maritime route in the Indian Ocean, and represents a potential market with nearly 30 million people. The two sides are expected to advance cooperation in maritime affairs, maritime security, port connectivity, and enhance collaboration in culture, tourism, Buddhism, and people-to-people exchanges.

"We have a strong basis to believe this will be a significant political milestone, creating new momentum and ushering in a new phase of development for bilateral relations, with enhanced political trust, broader and deeper cooperation, and more effective and substantive outcomes," Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong stated.

Alongside the visit to India, the General Secretary and President's visit to Sri Lanka highlights Vietnam's interest and regard for the South Asian region. It reaffirms Vietnam's determination to promote in-depth cooperation with countries in the region for the mutual benefit of their peoples, and for peace, stability, cooperation, and development across the region.

Vietnam and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations on 21/7/1970. In 2025, bilateral trade turnover reached approximately 260 million USD, an increase of 20% compared to 2024. The two countries aim to soon achieve a bilateral trade turnover of 1 billion USD. Both nations also maintain strong cooperation in international and regional forums.

Ngoc Anh