Decision to Elevate Relations to ‘Comprehensive Partnership’: President To Lam
09-May-2026.
Vietnamese President To Lam stated that as Sri Lanka and Vietnam have decided to elevate their 55-year diplomatic relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership, both nations have also agreed to take swift measures towards achieving the target of USD 1 billion in bilateral trade.
He made these remarks at a joint press conference held with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on May 8.
President To Lam further stated:
It is with great pleasure that I and my delegation have the opportunity to visit the beautiful land of Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean. I sincerely thank the President and people of Sri Lanka for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to us.
First, I wish to congratulate the President and Government of Sri Lanka on your achievements, particularly your economic progress. We are pleased to see that these achievements have improved the living standards of the people, and we believe Sri Lanka will continue moving forward successfully.
We held very productive discussions. We explored ways to further advance our long-standing friendship of 55 years and examined opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
We focused on key sectors important for the progress of both countries. We remain committed to developing a Comprehensive Partnership. We identified many opportunities to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level at this important time.
Based on this shared understanding, President Dissanayake and I agreed to elevate Vietnam–Sri Lanka relations to the level of a Comprehensive Partnership.
Strengthening political, security and economic cooperation is essential. Accordingly, based on mutual trust, understanding and respect, we agreed to enhance cooperation between our parties, governments, parliaments and peoples, expand high-level exchanges, and strengthen bilateral cooperation mechanisms.
We have set goals to enhance bilateral trade. We agreed to take swift measures to reach the target of USD 1 billion in trade revenue and to work towards a future bilateral agreement on trade and investment. Vietnamese entrepreneurs are ready to expand investments in Sri Lanka and contribute to Sri Lanka’s socio-economic development through strategic and symbolic projects.
We must also explore ways to strengthen education, culture, religion and people-to-people exchanges. Our two countries share long-standing cultural and historical ties. Education, tourism and mutual people-to-people relations form our foundation. We appreciate Sri Lanka’s respect towards President Ho Chi Minh and look forward to continuing to promote these valuable cultural and spiritual connections.
We also discussed cooperation to enhance air connectivity between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, which will serve as a foundation for stronger cooperation across multiple sectors.
At the international level, we discussed regional peace and stability, particularly ensuring freedom and security of maritime navigation. We stressed the importance of acting in accordance with international law and maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in seas and oceans, including the East Sea.
Through this Comprehensive Partnership, we can establish broader and more sustainable cooperation, bringing peace, prosperity and development to both our peoples.
Once again, I extend my sincere thanks to the President and people of Sri Lanka for the warm welcome and cooperation.
