During his official state visit to Vietnam, President Anura Kumara Disanayake participated in a series of high-level discussions with key representatives of Vietnam’s business community.
As part of this engagement, the President met with senior executives of Vingroup, a leading investor in real estate and tourism. The discussions were attended by Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vingroup, along with other members of the company’s top management.
The President also held talks with Sun Group, Vietnam’s foremost developer of premier leisure and theme park projects. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of Sun Group.
In a separate engagement, discussions took place with FPT Corporation, a pioneer in digital transformation. The delegation from FPT was led by Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa, Chief Executive Officer of the company.
Further discussions were held with SOVICO Group, with the participation of Mr. Dinh Viet Phuong, Chief Executive Officer of Vietjet Air, a subsidiary of the group. In addition, talks with ROX Group were conducted, attended by Mr. Tran Xuan Quang, Chief Executive Officer, and other senior executives.
These discussions focused on strengthening investment ties and exploring opportunities for collaboration across sectors including tourism, real estate, digital transformation, aviation, finance and infrastructure.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, also took part in the meetings representing the Government of Sri Lanka.
JOINT STATEMENT
Between
THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
AND THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA
On the State Visit of H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
4th – 6th May, 2025
1. At the invitation of His Excellency Luong Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka paid a State Visit to Viet Nam from 4th – 6th May 2025. The visit takes place on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Viet Nam – Sri Lanka diplomatic relations (1970 – 2025).
2. During the visit, President Anura Kumara Disanayaka was accorded a ceremonial welcome. President Disanayaka held bilateral meetings with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam To Lam, President Luong Cuong,
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Chairman of the National Assembly
Tran Thanh Man. President Dissanayake also paid tribute to President
Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and laid a wreath at the Monument to War Heroes and Martyrs, as a gesture symbolizing the close bonds of friendship that have been built and nurtured by generations of leaders, grounded in mutual trust, respect, shared values, cultural traditions, and a profound understanding between the two nations.
3. Honouring a joint invitation extended by the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha and the Government of Viet Nam President Anura Kumara Disanayaka attended the UN Day of Vesak celebrations on 6 May 2025 held in Ho Chi Minh City as
Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address, reaffirming longstanding Buddhist ties between the two countries.
4. The Vietnamese Leaders and President Disanayaka had wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They noted with satisfaction the development of the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries spanning 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations on the 21st of July 1970, underpinned by high level of political trust, close people-to-people linkages and warm sentiments between the two peoples. They affirmed the warm friendship and valuable support which both nations had accorded to each other in the course of National Development had laid a firm foundation for further strengthening and deepening of relations between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka in the coming years.
5. President Disanayaka congratulated Viet Nam on its significant achievements and remarkable progress in social and economic development. He also lauded the success of Vietnamese leadership in transforming the country into one of the fastest growing economies and a thriving manufacturing hub in the East Asia – Pacific region. The Vietnamese Leaders congratulated President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and the National People’s Power (NPP) on the victory at the recently concluded Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka and efforts to bring about economic stability and development in the country; convinced that Sri Lanka could play a vital role as an economic hub in the Indian Ocean region, given its strategic geographical location.
6. The two sides’ Leaders discussed and agreed on key directions to uplift bilateral relations to the next level. It was agreed to continue to promote closer political relations between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, including increasing high-level visits and contacts, exchange of delegations at various levels as well as promoting people-to-people contacts.
7. They emphasized the need for effective implementation of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms. In this context, the early convening of the 5th round of bilateral political consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the 3rd Meeting of the Sub Committee on Trade and the 4th meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka were identified as priorities for implementation in 2025.
8. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the areas of national defence and security. In this regard, the two sides agreed to review and renew the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, increase the exchange of Defence delegations, promote cooperation in Defence studies through the exchange of delegations between the National Defence Academy of Viet Nam and the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University of Sri Lanka. The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in education and training, intelligence sharing and exchange of delegations as well as exchange experience in UN Peacekeeping operations. The importance of enhancing cooperation in combating transnational crimes inter alia terrorism, illegal immigration and cybercrimes was also underscored by the two sides. The two sides also discussed opportunities for cooperation in the area of defence industry in order to enhance the capacity building of both countries. With regard to security sector cooperation, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka agreed to strengthen ties between the two Ministries of Public Security of the two countries.
9. Both sides agreed that there remains great potentials in trade and investment between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. In the context of the rapidly evolving global economic environment, they agreed to promote stronger cooperation, including the reviewing of the Bilateral Investment Treaty and the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.
10. Both sides agreed to take pragmatic steps to increase bilateral trade such as trade facilitation, information exchange, promote business-to-business links through trade missions, as well as business matching, exhibitions, seminars, aimed at bringing the trade turnover to 1 billion USD in the near future. The two sides agreed to collaborate, identify and pursue mutually beneficial trade leveraging on each other’s strengths.
11. The leaders agreed to boost stronger investment flows between the two countries. The Vietnamese side appreciated the investments from Sri Lanka in 33 projects with a total registered capital of more than USD 43 million as of March 31st, 2025.
12. President Disanayaka commended the steady and impressive progress of Viet Nam’s economic development and expressed Sri Lanka’s interest in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) from Viet Nam particularly in the agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, electronic and automobile components, real estate, hospitality, pharmaceutical, hospitals, tele-communication, logistics, infrastructure and industrial infrastructure sectors.
13. The Leaders concurred on the importance of increasing air connectivity between the two countries based on the Air Services Agreement that was already in existence. They agreed that air connectivity will be a strong incentive to ensure rapid growth in tourism between the two countries. In this regard, both sides agreed to encourage both countries’ Airlines to soon commence direct flights. The two sides also discussed the possibility of facilitating measures to boost tourism, business and people-to-people connectivity and to promote ease of travel between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka.
14. Both sides acknowledged the significant potential for co-operation in the agriculture sector. Given the remarkable strides made by Viet Nam in advancing its agriculture sector particularly in the areas of automation, mechanization and scientific research, and in the area of post-harvest processing, President Disanayaka requested for sharing of expertise and exchanges to support the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka to encourage agriculture modernization in the country.
15. Both sides agreed that the ongoing collaboration between the Vietnam Institute of Agricultural Engineering & Post-Harvest Technology (VIAEP), the National Institute of Post-Harvest Management (NIPHM), and the Farm Mechanization Research Center (FMRC) of Sri Lanka, alongside the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Department of Agriculture of Sri Lanka, would further strengthen cooperation in the agricultural sector, fostering mutual growth and facilitating valuable knowledge exchange, and agreed to fully implement the Agriculture Work Plan for the period 2024-2026. Both sides agreed to arrange and facilitate short-term study visits for the professionals in the Agriculture sector.
16. President Disanayaka expressed Sri Lanka’s willingness to assist Viet Nam in the fields of archaeology and the preservation of cultural artifacts. With a rich heritage spanning over two millennia and extensive experience in conserving ancient sites and relics, Sri Lanka stands ready to share its expertise and best practices in support of Viet Nam’s efforts to protect and celebrate its cultural heritage. The Vietnamese side welcomed this offer with appreciation.
17. The Leaders emphasized the cultural and historical bonds between the two countries. They welcomed the joint endeavor of both sides in the project of constructing the outer wall surrounding the sapling of the Sacred Bodhi Tree gifted by Sri Lanka in 2023 at Bai Dinh spiritual complex, which is the combination of authentic Sri Lankan architectural carvings and a uniquely Vietnamese-designed fence, standing as a testament to the strong cultural and spiritual collaboration between the two countries.
18. Both sides expressed their satisfaction at the renewal of the Education Cooperation Agreement, which was signed in 1999, and encouraged both sides’ related agencies to sign a work plan for education cooperation based on the renewed Agreement. The two leaders also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions in both countries and expressed a mutual interest in facilitating student exchanges across a range of academic disciplines.
19. President Disanayaka highlighted the importance of expanding opportunities for students, particularly through increased scholarships in the fields of science, technology, and agriculture. In response, the Vietnamese side expressed interest in receiving more scholarships in the area of Buddhist studies.
20. Both sides recognized their respective strengths in Artificial Intelligence (AI),
E-commerce, and digital transformation, and shared commitment to harnessing emerging technologies for sustainable development, improved public service delivery, and innovation-led economic growth. They agreed to enhance cooperation through capacity building, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer.
21. The Leaders expressed satisfaction at the close cooperation and support extended at regional and multilateral fora by the two countries and agreed to further deepen cooperation and coordination on issues of vital interest to the Global South.
22. The Leaders reaffirmed the importance of collective action as articulated by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), emphasizing the urgent need for accessible climate financing, particularly for developing nations that remain disproportionately vulnerable due to limited adaptive capacity. They underscored that concerted international efforts, including innovative financing mechanisms and the fulfillment of commitments by developed countries, are essential to effectively mitigate global warming and address sea level rise.
23. Sri Lanka welcomes Viet Nam in hosting the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against cybercrime in Ha Noi in 2025.
24. Sri Lanka and Viet Nam reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and underscored the significance of respect and adherence to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for maintaining a stable and peaceful international maritime order.
25. President Anura Kumara Disanayaka informed that advancing cooperation with Southeast Asia and ASEAN is a principal tenet of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy under his administration. Viet Nam welcomed the policy stance and underlined the need for close coordination and cooperation. In this regard, both Leaders expressed satisfaction at the active role played by Viet Nam and Sri Lanka within the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as Co-Chairs of the Inter-Sessional Meeting on Disaster Relief for the period of 2023 – 2026. The Viet Nam side also took note of Sri Lanka’s interest in becoming an ASEAN Sectorial Dialogue Partner.
26. The Leaders agreed that the MoUs/Agreements signed during the visit have laid the foundation for stronger collaboration between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka in areas of significant mutual interest and would pave the way to further elevate the multifaceted bilateral partnership.
27. The Leaders expressed satisfaction with the fruitful discussions held in the spirit of mutual understanding, which contributed to further enhancing the excellent relationship between the two countries, enabling it to reach new heights.
28. President Anura Kumara Disanayaka expressed his gratitude to the State, the Government and people of Viet Nam for the warm reception and hospitality accorded during the State Visit to Viet Nam and extended invitations to General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time. The invitations were accepted with appreciation.
At the invitation of Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayake currently on a state visit to Vietnam is scheduled to attend the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations which will commence tomorrow (06) in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief Guest. The President will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session.
The President is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at 7:40 AM (local time). This speech will be broadcast live on television at 5:00 PM following the Provincial Council Elections held earlier in the day.
The theme of this year’s Vesak celebrations is “Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development.” The event, held from May 6 to 8, will bring together over 2,800 participants, including high-level delegates from Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Laos and Cambodia, international delegates from 85 countries and territories.
– Bilateral Agreement on Customs affairs
Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and one Agreement were signed today (05) between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, in the presence of President Anura Kumara Disanayake and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Luong Cuong.
The signing took place following bilateral discussions held at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi earlier this morning.
Among the agreements signed was a bilateral pact on enhancing cooperation and mutual support in customs affairs between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Additionally, an MoU between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development of Sri Lanka on cooperation in machinery and equipment manufacturing, an MoU between the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Department of Agriculture of Sri Lanka on cooperation in agriculture, an MoU between the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) of Sri Lanka and the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and an MoU between the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board on trade promotion cooperation.
These agreements aim to facilitate knowledge sharing and the exchange of diplomats, experts, officials, scholars and researchers, while also encouraging the organization and participation in academic and research programmes, training initiatives and conferences related to diplomacy.
They also provide a platform for a broad range of trade promotion activities, including the exchange of trade and market intelligence, joint participation in trade fairs and exhibitions in both countries, and the organization of business networking events for private sector representatives.
It is expected that this enhanced cooperation will unlock significant market opportunities for both countries, particularly in the sectors of value-added agriculture, fisheries, apparel and Processed food.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi this morning (05), marking the commencement of a state visit from May 4–6.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam this morning (05). He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective high-level delegations before proceeding to bilateral discussions.
Subsequently, discussions between Sri Lanka and Vietnam began, during which both nations assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
This visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
As Vietnam and Sri Lanka commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries this year, both nations are poised to enhance their relationship by building on mutual trust and common development objectives.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
As part of his on-going state visit to Vietnam, President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid his respects this morning (05) at the War Heroes’ Monument in Hanoi by laying a floral wreath in honour of those who sacrificed their lives.
Following this, the President visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum located at the Presidential Palace. There, he placed a floral tribute at the final resting place of the late President Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s first President and a revered leader of the country’s struggle for independence.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, also joined the President for these solemn observances.
At the invitation of His Excellency Luong Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, President Anura Kumara Disanayake, who is currently on a state visit to Vietnam, extended an open invitation to Vietnam’s leading conglomerate, Vingroup, to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s real estate and tourism sectors.
While congratulating the Vingroup for their achievements and for building a diversified global brand, President Disanayake invited Vingroup to consider investing in Sri Lanka’s real estate and tourism sectors. He further emphasized that Sri Lanka is pleased to facilitate the creation of a smooth and enabling environment for their investments.
The President made these remarks during a business engagement with Vingroup at their Headquarters in Hanoi, yesterday evening (04) where he met with Vice Chairman and the CEO of the Vingroup Nguyen Viet Quang and the delegation.
President Disanayake emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic position, progressive infrastructure development and the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for foreign investors, particularly in high-potential sectors such as tourism and real estate.
Vingroup Joint Stock Company (Vingroup JSC) was founded in 1993 in Ukraine. Today, Vingroup is one of Vietnam’s largest and most respected private enterprises, operating as a multi-sector corporation with a focus on three core pillars: industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services and Social Enterprises.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath also participated in the discussions.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake, currently on a state visit to Vietnam, met with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), Tô Lâm, at the Party’s Central Committee Headquarters in Hanoi this afternoon (04)
The discussion focused on strengthening the longstanding diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, which mark 55 years of bilateral ties.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, also participated in the meeting.
President Receives Warm Welcome from the People of Vietnam
As part of the on-going state visit to Vietnam, President Anura Kumara Disanayake visited the Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Southeast Asia this afternoon (04), where he paid homage and received blessings.
The President received a warm and heartfelt welcome from the Vietnamese people, who had gathered near the entrance of the temple, waving the national flags of both Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
A large crowd lined the pathway within the temple grounds to catch a glimpse of the Sri Lankan President, expressing their respect and goodwill by waving the two nations’ flags.
Upon reaching the main Buddha shrine, President Disnayake paid his respects. The resident monks then chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the President.
Subsequently, the President paid homage at the Sri Maha Bodhi sapling on the temple grounds, a sacred branch from the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, which was gifted to the Bai Dinh Pagoda and planted there in 2023.
The outer wall constructed around the sacred Bodhi under the technical guidance of Sri Lanka’s Central Cultural Fund was also officially declared open by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on this occasion.
Later the President planted a sapling of the sacred Sal tree within the temple premises, and observed the commemorative plaque marking the occasion.
As a gesture of reverence, President Disanayake presented a memento to the Chief Incumbent of the temple.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with other members of the Sri Lankan delegation, were also present for the occasion.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam a short while ago, commencing his official state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of His Excellency Luong Cuong, President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief Guest, where he is due to deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.