Hon. Gitanjana Gunawardena, Deputy Minister of External Affairs, who was in Hanoi Viet Nam leading the Government of Sri Lanka delegation to the 17th Session of the ASEAN Regional Forum, a gathering of twenty- seven key Asia Pacific Countries to promote dialogue on regional security issues and cooperation among Members, held a bilateral discussion with, H.E Dao Viet Trung, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Viet Nam.

The two Ministers exchanged views on a wide range of issues during the bilateral meeting in a cordial atmosphere. Deputy Minister Dao Trung expressed the readiness of Viet Nam to reopen a resident diplomatic Mission in Colombo by early next year. He further stated that the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam should consider signing an agreement between the two Ministries on Dialogue and Cooperation on Political and Policy matters, to update regular overview of the cooperation between the two Ministries to further strengthen the existing cordial relations.

While appreciating the decision of the Government of Viet Nam to reopen the diplomatic Mission, Hon. Gitanjana Gunawardena, recalled that Sri Lanka and Viet Nam diplomatic relations is marking the 40th Anniversary in 2010 and the reestablishment of a resident Mission in Colombo would undoubtedly help enhance the relations with the two countries. The Deputy Minister of Viet Nam also recalled the successful State Visit by H.E Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka to Viet Nam last year, as a milestone in the relations between the two countries.

Deputy Minister Gitanjana Gunawardane explained the success Sri Lanka achieved in defeating the scourge of thirty-years of terrorism from its territory and said that given the strategic location of Sri Lanka, it is a victory not only for Sri Lanka and her people, but also for the entire region of Asia and its people. In the process of post conflict rebuilding, the Deputy Minister said that Sri Lanka could learn from the experience of Viet Nam, which has successfully transformed from conflict to a vibrant economy in East Asia. He also explained the ongoing reconstruction and development activities in the North and the East and that within a short span of period the Government has resettled more than 80% of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). In this context, the Deputy Minister appreciated the assistance from Viet Nam for the demining activities, which has been critical in expediting the resettlement process. The Deputy Minister also requested close cooperation in the area of security and intelligence to curtail the activities of the remnants of the terrorists and their sympathizers operating in the East Asia Pacific region. The Viet Nam Minister said that the Ministry of Public Security could closely work on these matters.

The Deputy Minister of Viet Nam recalled his visit to Sri Lanka to participate in the Sri Lanka Viet Nam joint Commission and discussed on the possibilities of enhancing economic and trade activities for the mutual benefit, which currently remains at a modest level. Deputy Minister Gitanjana Gunawarena explained the prospects for Vietnamese investment and business in Sri Lanka given the prevailing peaceful environment in the country.

The two deputy Ministers also reiterated on the importance of working closely in UN and within NAM. Deputy Minister Gitanjana Gunawardane expressed sincere appreciation for Viet Nam on the support extended by Viet Nam, in the UN Security Council and other fora during the difficult time Sri Lanka had. The two Deputy Ministers expressed hope that the two countries could further enhance relations and that it could flourish within the ARF process.

Hanoi – 23rd July 2010