Joint Media Briefing Held with the Participation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and President Tô Lâm of Viet Nam

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake began by extending a warm welcome to President Tô Lâm and the Vietnamese delegation on this significant state visit. He highlighted the historical ties between Sri Lanka and Viet Nam, noting the World Peace Walk led by the famous Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Venerable Pannakara Thera, which also took place in Sri Lanka, serving as a reminder of their long-standing friendship. He emphasized that President Tô Lâm’s visit would further enhance the diplomatic relations that have existed for many years. Dissanayake remarked that Viet Nam is seen not just as another country but as a strong symbol of resistance against imperialism and a model of impressive economic growth. He acknowledged Viet Nam's inspiring legacy, which has motivated liberation movements worldwide and is a significant part of global history. Dissanayake praised Viet Nam for transforming from a nation facing severe hardships to a major manufacturing and economic hub in Southeast Asia. He expressed his delight that President Tô Lâm chose Sri Lanka for his first state visit to South Asia after taking office. For Sri Lanka, which values freedom and independence, deepening ties with a resilient country like Viet Nam is very meaningful. He viewed this meeting as a significant moment that reflects the enduring friendship between the two nations. Dissanayake also congratulated President Tô Lâm on his reappointment as both President and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, noting that this renewed trust from the Vietnamese people speaks volumes about his leadership. He expressed confidence that under Tô Lâm's guidance, Viet Nam will continue to prosper and grow. The state visit is seen as a historic point in the diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Viet Nam. Both countries have agreed to expand their diplomatic ties into a more comprehensive partnership. Earlier, Dissanayake and Tô Lâm held fruitful discussions, reviewing their current relations and exploring ways to boost cooperation in various sectors. Dissanayake praised Viet Nam's significant accomplishments in manufacturing, export growth, and integration into global markets, while also updating Tô Lâm on Sri Lanka's economic progress following recent challenges.