On 08 November 2019 Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Viet Nam Prasanna Gamage met with Vice Chairman of the Central Commission for External Affairs (CCEA) of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Nguyen Huy Tang at the Office of the Central Commission for External Relations in Ha Noi. The CCEA of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, an independent government institution, is also one of the most important, influential and powerful, providing policy guidance in terms of external relations and foreign policy and directing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam in conducting and implementing the same.
Having exchanged pleasantries, the Vice Chairman recalled that the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka visited Viet Nam three times recently and senior level government officers from Viet Nam have paid visits to Sri Lanka frequently, solidifying the bilateral relationship. Mr. Tang commended Sri Lanka’s extension of support to Viet Nam at various times, including during Viet Nam’s recent success of being elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the term 2020 - 21. The Vice Chairman emphasized the fact that more people to people contacts are needed to enhance the relationship between the two countries. He stated that the enormous potential that exists for cooperation and development in terms of trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, aquaculture, defense, telecommunication and digital infrastructure has not yet been utilized by both countries. Mr. Tang requested Ambassador Gamage to facilitate Viet Nam government’s efforts in maintaining longstanding close and cordial relations with political parties in Sri Lanka. While recalling his visit to Sri Lanka in 2013, he said that the government of Viet Nam wishes to see high level visits to be undertaken by leaders of the two countries throughout celebrations of 50 years of formal diplomatic relations next year.
Appreciating the Vice Chairman’s deep understanding of the long-lasting relationship between Sri Lanka and Viet Nam, Ambassador Gamage assured the continued assistance of Sri Lanka to Viet Nam. He also mentioned that the late President Ho Chi Minh has visited Sri Lanka three times during the freedom struggle of Viet Nam. Ambassador Gamage acknowledged and agreed with the analysis of the Vice Chairman in regard to underutilized potential in the bilateral cooperation, and assured that he would work towards enhancing cooperation during his tenure in Viet Nam.
Ambassador Gamage also spoke on the successful Sri Lankan business/investments in Viet Nam, which have employed over 10,000 Vietnamese. He stated that a direct air travel connectivity would further increase two-way trade, investment, tourism and people to people contacts. Ambassador Gamage requested the Vice Chairman arrange for a visit by a high-level delegation from Viet Nam to Sri Lanka to commemorate the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2020.
Mr. Tang assured the Ambassador of his fullest cooperation and assistance in regard to bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, Ambassador Gamage was assisted by Third Secretary (Commercial) of the Mission Prasadi Boomalwage and the Vice Chairman Tang was assisted by Deputy Director General, Southeast Asia, South Asia and South Pacific Department of the Central Commission for External Affairs of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Nguyen Trong Kien.
