Vietnam wants to further the traditional friendship and cooperation with Sri Lanka, Deputy Prime Minister (PM) Vu Duc Dam told Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on their sideline meeting at the second Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit that commenced in Bangkok on October 10.

Both sides took note of significant developments in multiple sectors such as economics, justice, defense, culture, education and agriculture. However, they acknowledged that room for bilateral cooperation remains extensive.

They agreed that the two countries should increase the exchange of high-level visits and soon organize the fourth meeting of the inter-governmental committee at the foreign minister level and the third political consultation.

Participants in a joint photo at the second Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit

The two countries should seek ways to boost two-way trade revenue from the current average figure of USD 200 million per year, with agriculture and fisheries considered for joint projects.

Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam suggested the two countries further mutual support at regional and international forums and cooperation in protecting interests of developing countries.

He thanked Sri Lanka for backing Vietnam’s bids to run for seats in UN bodies, and wished for the country’s support for Vietnam’s candidacy for the post of UNESCO Director-General for the 2017-2021 tenure.

The same day, Dam met with Qatar counterpart Ahmad Bin Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud, reaching consensus on more delegation exchanges, mutual support at international forums and bilateral trade enhancement.

Goods marked for bilateral transactions were suggested as food, consumer goods, construction materials, oil and gas.

Dam said he expected Qatar to soon acknowledge Vietnam as a full market economy as agreed at the 2nd Vietnam-Qatar join committee meeting.

Source: VNA