During the official talks between Foreign Minister Bogollagama and the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs today, the two sides noted with pleasure the current status of excellent bilateral relations between the two countries. Both parties agreed to further expand these relations into an economic partnership through an agreed programme of activities covering commerce & trade, agriculture, tourism and technical cooperation for the mutual benefit of Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
In order to enhance bilateral trade, the two Ministers agreed to exchange trade delegations and thereby forge closer links between the corporate sectors of the two countries. Both sides emphasized the need for greater collaboration in the tourism sector which would enhance greater people to people contact with particular emphasis on cultural tourism.
The two sides further agreed to expand their traditional cooperation giving new impetus especially in the fields of security cooperation.
During the meeting, the Vietnamese side expressed its desire to establish a resident Mission in Sri Lanka soon. The Sri Lankan side welcomed Vietnam’s decision to re-open its Mission which was closed in 1982.
The two sides exchanged views on a range of bilateral, regional and international issues and agreed to promote further cooperation in multilateral fora including UN related activities. The Sri Lankan Minister was particularly appreciative of Vietnam’s active participation in the United Nations Security Council, particularly the supportive role played by Vietnam during the recent UN Security Council meeting where Sir John Holmes briefedthe Council on the situation in Sri Lanka. Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the promotion of peace, stability, economic development and social progress and agreed to further intensify cooperation and consultations between the two countries.
Image: Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama being welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pham Gia Khiem at the Government Guest House in Hanoi today (05.03.2009) prior to the bilateral official meeting.______________________________
The Vietnamese side reiterated Vietnam’s support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka and expressed the hope that the efforts made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to defeat terrorism would succeed and bring permanent peace to Sri Lanka soon.
Minister Bogollagama also had a meeting with the External Relations Committee and the South Asian Friendship group of the National Assembly in Hanoi today. -Sri Lanka Guardian
 Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has arrived in Hanoi today (5th March 2009) on a 2 day officia...){kind=link}
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