For his part, Khiem, who is also the Foreign Minister, welcomed Bogollagama in his first visit to Vietnam, saying that Vietnam also seeks to develop greater friendship with Sri Lanka.

Over the past few years, Sri Lanka has achieved a high economic growth rate and a high per capita GDP in relation to other countries in South Asia, Khiem said, adding Vietnam supports the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to maintain stability, fight terrorism and restore social order and security for the sake of national development.

The two sides expressed their pleasure at the fruitful development of the two countries’ cooperation in economics, trade, investment, security and national defense. Two-way trade between the countries has consistently increased, reaching US$61 million last year, a 14 percent increase over 2007.

They agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, as well as expand their cooperation in agriculture, education and training, culture, sports and tourism.

They also agreed to maintain the good rapport enjoyed at regional and international forums, including the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the United Nations.

Source: Government website