General Phan Van Giang expressed his positive impression of the people and country of Sri Lanka, a nation rich in cultural identity and known for its friendliness. Over the more than 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Sri Lanka has continuously been consolidated and strengthened across politics, diplomacy, education, culture, and religion. The state visit to Sri Lanka by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam holds special significance, creating breakthroughs and establishing a new framework of comprehensive partnership between the two countries.
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General Phan Van Giang and Sri Lankan Defense Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha at the meeting |
In recent years, based on the Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation, the two defense ministries have implemented cooperation activities in searching for and handling unexploded ordnance; exchanging experiences in multilateral activities; education and training; United Nations peacekeeping training; consultations, sharing viewpoints, and supporting each other on regional and international issues.
For his part, Sri Lankan Defense Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha sincerely thanked General Phan Van Giang for taking the time to receive him and for his affection toward the country and people of Sri Lanka. He expressed confidence that, with the goodwill and efforts of both sides, Vietnam-Sri Lanka defense cooperation would continue to grow strongly, contributing to strengthening the newly-established comprehensive partnership between the two countries.
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An overview of the meeting |
In the coming time, the two sides will promote cooperation in delegation exchanges, education and training, enhancing collaboration between strategic research agencies, cybersecurity, military medicine, maritime security, defense industry, bomb and mine clearance, and especially United Nations peacekeeping operations, an area in which both countries are actively involved and possess extensive professional and practical experience.
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General Phan Van Giang presents a souvenir to Sri Lankan Defense Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha. |
General Phan Van Giang affirmed that there remains substantial room for the two sides to further deepen bilateral defense cooperation in line with the comprehensive partnership newly established between the two countries. He also noted that Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense will organize the third Vietnam Defense Expo in December 2026 and invited the Sri Lankan Defense Secretary and Sri Lankan defense industry enterprises to attend and contribute to the success of the event.
Translated by Trung Thanh