Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has said he hopes that Vietnam – Sri Lanka relations will further develop in a result-oriented manner for the two peoples’ interests.

At a reception for Sri Lankan Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen in Hanoi on August 21, Minh reiterated that Vietnam always treasures the traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with Sri Lanka.

Minister Bathiudeen also affirmed his country’s willingness to push up its amity and partnership with Vietnam.

At the meeting, the two sides also touched upon measures to foster bilateral collaboration, including increasing visits at all levels; utilising bilateral cooperation mechanisms such as the Inter-governmental Committee; promoting cooperation in spheres of their strength, like agriculture, tea production, and textile and garments; and continuing to work closely at regional and international forums.

Deputy PM and FM Minh applauded outcomes of the talks between Minister Bathiudeen and his Vietnamese counterpart Vu Huy Hoang, during which they agreed to soon establish a trade inter-subcommittee to realise a trade value of 1 billion USD.

He expressed hope that Sri Lanka will facilitate Vietnamese businesses’ investment in oil and gas, and aquaculture.-VNA