President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake his first official state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from 4 to 6 May, at the invitation of the Vietnamese government. This visit marks a significant milestone in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two nations, which celebrated 55 years of diplomatic ties last year.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, the President’s agenda includes high-level bilateral meetings in Hanoi with:
- Vietnamese President Võ Văn Thưởng
- Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính
- General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam
- Other senior government leaders
These discussions are expected to focus on deepening cooperation in trade, investment, education, diplomacy, industry, and agriculture.
Key engagements:
A major highlight of the visit will be President Dissanayake’s participation as chief guest at the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City, where he will deliver the keynote address. This Buddhist commemorative event is an international platform that brings together leaders from Buddhist countries to reflect on peace and spiritual development.
The President will also address a business forum organised jointly by Sri Lanka’s Embassy in Hanoi, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). This forum will provide a platform for Sri Lankan exporters and entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in Vietnam.
Key agreements to be signed:
A series of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed, aimed at institutionalising cooperation and expanding bilateral collaboration:
- Diplomatic training cooperation
An MoU between Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) and Vietnam’s Diplomatic Academy will foster joint training, academic exchanges, and diplomatic collaboration. The agreement will be valid for three years. - Industrial machinery and technology cooperation
The existing MoU between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Industries and Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade will be renewed to promote cooperation in the manufacture of electrical and mechanical equipment, and to enable technology transfer, skill development, and joint ventures. - Trade and export promotion agreement
A new MoU between the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) aims to enhance bilateral trade, with a focus on sectors such as processed foods, fisheries, apparel, and value-added agriculture. Both countries will collaborate on market research, trade missions, and exhibition participation.
Delegation:
President Dissanayake will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Wijitha Herath, along with senior officials from key ministries. The visit is expected to lay the groundwork for a new phase of economic and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
