Vietnam's President To Lam has called for enhanced defense and trade relations with Sri Lanka, recognizing the island's strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
In a speech delivered to Sri Lanka's parliament, he emphasized the potential for collaboration in logistics, ports, and maritime commerce, alongside bolstering security cooperation.
Strategic Maritime Importance
To Lam highlighted Sri Lanka's significance as a vital hub for international shipping routes, with major east-west shipping lanes situated just south of its coast.
We are better positioned to deepen political, defense and security ... cooperation.
President To Lam
The Vietnamese leader arrived in Sri Lanka with a substantial trade delegation after a visit to India, where both countries committed to increasing bilateral trade to $25 billion by 2030.
As the first foreign leader to address the Sri Lankan parliament in over a decade, To Lam expressed hopes for a new era of deeper and more effective cooperation.
Comprehensive Partnership
During his address, Lam announced the elevation of Vietnam-Sri Lanka relations to a 'comprehensive partnership,' paving the way for more substantial collaboration.
It is our hope to work together with Sri Lanka to open up a new chapter of cooperation that is deeper, more substantive, and more effective.
President To Lam