Assuring strong support for Sri Lanka in its intensified efforts towards reconstruction and development, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that this commitment of Vietnam was rooted in its foreign policy, which accorded priority to further expanding the existing relations between the two countries. He made this comment as Foreign Minister Bogollagama briefed him on recent developments in the country, including the defeat of LTTE by Sri Lankan security forces, and the ongoing political process aimed at empowering the people.
Minister Bogollagama thanked Vietnam for its support and solidarity extended to Sri Lanka in the multilateral fora as Sri Lanka intensified its campaign against terrorism in recent months. “Now that the LTTE had been defeated in Sri Lanka and it was possible that individuals and groups associated with the LTTE may seek to operate from countries in the region, posing a threat to regional security and stability” added Bogollagama. In response, the Deputy Prime Minister said that Vietnam would never allow its territory for use by any terrorist elements since his country always stood for peace and harmony.
he Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam further stressed that there was vast potential for cooperation between Sri Lanka and Vietnam across a wide spectrum of bilateral subjects such as economic development, political and defence cooperation, and cultural and social advancement. He looked forward to the meeting of Vietnam-Sri Lanka Joint Commission in August this year to identity areas of bilateral cooperation and adopts a comprehensive programme of work for the future.
Minister Bogollagama, confirming that President Mahinda Rajapaksa would undertake a State Visit to Vietnam before the end of this year on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Vietnam, expressed confidence that the meeting of the Joint Commission in August, followed by President Rajapaksa’s State Visit would provide further momentum to the existing relations between the two countries.
Associated with the Minister at this meeting were Foreign Secretary, Dr. Palitha Kohona, Sri Lanka Ambassador to Egypt I. Ansar and the senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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