May 02, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to embark on a state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from May 04 to 06, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the deepening of bilateral relations between the two nations.
The invitation was extended by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, as both countries commemorate 55 years of formal diplomatic engagement.
During his visit, President Dissanayake will engage in a series of high-level discussions with key figures in the Vietnamese government, including President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and other senior leadership figures such as the General Secretary of the Communist Party.
These meetings are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation across a range of sectors, including trade, tourism, education, and regional security.
The visit takes on added cultural and diplomatic significance as President Dissanayake has been invited to serve as the Chief Guest at the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vesak, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha, holds great spiritual and symbolic importance for many nations across Asia.
President Dissanayake is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the event, underlining Sri Lanka’s historic and spiritual contributions to global Buddhist heritage and interfaith understanding.
A series of formal agreements and memoranda of understanding are anticipated to be signed during the state visit, reflecting a shared commitment to enhanced cooperation.
These documents are expected to cover a spectrum of interests including technological collaboration, labour mobility, tourism development, and academic exchange.
Additionally, the itinerary includes a business forum where President Dissanayake and his delegation will engage with members of Vietnam’s private sector, aiming to foster greater economic collaboration and explore opportunities for joint ventures.
With both economies currently undergoing significant transformation, the meeting offers a timely platform for strategic partnerships that align with their respective national development agendas.
Accompanying the President on this diplomatic mission will be Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who also oversees the portfolios of foreign employment and tourism, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government departments.
