President On State Visit To Vietnam

COLOMBO (News 1st) - President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has begun a three-day official state visit to Vietnam, following an invitation from Vietnamese President Luong Cuong.

The visit will conclude on May 6.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed Sri Lanka yesterday on a state visit to Vietnam, at the invitation of Vietnamese President Lương Cường.

He arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi this morning.

President Disanayake and his delegation were accorded a warm and respectful welcome by senior Vietnamese officials, including Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong. 

Later in the day, the President met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Tô Lâm at the Party's Central Committee Headquarters in Hanoi.

The two leaders held in-depth discussions on enhancing the 55-year diplomatic relationship between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Joining the President was Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Wijitha Herath, who is accompanying the delegation throughout the visit.

The President is also expected to meet with members of Vietnam's business community and visit the historic Bái Đính Pagoda.

On May 6, President Disanayake will attend the opening ceremony of the United Nations Day of Vesak in Ho Chi Minh City, where he will deliver the keynote address as the event's Chief Guest.

During the visit, President Disanayake will hold official discussions with the President and Prime Minister of Vietnam.

Several Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements are expected to be signed during the visit and discussions will be held with the Vietnamese business community to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.