Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam had a meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on October 3 during which she affirmed that Vietnam always attaches much importance to the traditional friendship with the South Asian country.

The Vietnamese diplomat highlighted that the two nations have enjoyed sound ties between their parties, states and parliaments, hoping both sides will step up mutual visits and contacts at high level, promote the implementation of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, expand collaboration across potential areas such as tourism, culture, education and agriculture, among others, encourage people-to-people exchanges, while continuing their traditional cooperation and support for each other at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, as they will celebrate the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year.

She also said she wishes that the Sri Lankan Government will keep creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese people living, working and studying in the nation.

Tam took the occasion to convey Vietnamese high-ranking leaders’ congratulations to Sri Lanka on its successful organisation of the 9th presidential election on September 21, expressing her belief that under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sri Lanka will overcome difficulties and challenges soon, continue stable development and become an attractive destination of tourism, trade and foreign investment.

Harini Amarasuriya, for her part, said she admires Vietnam’s achievements in all areas, and that Vietnam boasts a development model that Sri Lanka could learn from, given the two nations’ similarities in geography, history and culture.

Sri Lanka always respects the sentiments that Vietnam has given to it, she said, adding as the new Government of Sri Lanka wants to bolster ties with Vietnam, she will direct competent ministries and sectors to enhance discussions with the latter about measures to boost collaboration in potential domains, including trade, investment, culture, education and Buddhism.

She acknowledged Tam’s recommendations on facilitating the import of Vietnamese goods, encouraging Sri Lankan businesses to land investment in Vietnam and working closely to organise cultural exchange activities to mark the 55th anniversary of th🌊e diplomatic ties, helping raising public awareness of the bilateral relations as well as the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh, who made stops in Sri Lanka for three times during his journey seeking ways for national salvation./.