During an official visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Viet Nam Prasanna Gamage called on Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and Politburo Member Dr. Nguyen Thien Nhan on 10 of March 2020 at the Headquarters of the Communist Party Committee in Ho Chi Minh City.
Conveying his best wishes and greetings, Secretary Dr. Nhan warmly welcomed the Ambassador to Ho Chi Minh City and Party Headquarters. Secretary Dr. Nhan appreciated Sri Lanka’s warm and historical friendship with Viet Nam and expressed his confidence that the two countries will be able to further enhance relations during the commemorations of 50 years of formal diplomatic relations this year.
Secretary Dr. Nhan and Ambassador Gamage, during their cordial discussion, revisited solid relations that exist between the two countries and explored avenues in improving trade, investment, socio-cultural and tourism relations between the two countries. Ambassador Gamage recalled that the political leaders of the two counties have agreed to take appropriate measures to reach the target of USD 1billion in bilateral trade, which is currently at USD 300 million and sought the cooperation of Ho Chi Minh City in this endeavor. Secretary Dr. Nhan referred to Sri Lankan enterprises that operate in Ho Chi Minh City and assured that investments from Sri Lanka will receive fullest support of the City. Secretary Dr. Nhan also stated that the Buddhist cultural relations, is an area which Sri Lanka is in a strong position to promote in Viet Nam. Ambassador Gamage informed Secretary Dr. Nhan that Sri Lanka would be able to cooperate extensively in this aspect and also briefed Secretary Dr. Nhan on the already existing relations. Ambassador Gamage also explained the promotional activities to be undertaken in Ho Chi Minh City by Sri Lanka during this year, which were welcomed by Secretary Dr. Nhan.
Deputy Chief of Staff of the Communist Party Committee Cao Son Yen and Deputy Director General of the Department of External Relations of Ho Chi Minh Nguyen Tuan also participated in the meeting.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ha Noi
13 March 2020
