A meeting between the Ambassador of Vietnam and the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Mr. K.D. Lalkantha

A meeting was held between the Ambassador of Vietnam and the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Mr. K.D. Lalkantha at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Welcoming the Ambassador, the Minister stated that there has been a long-standing political relationship between Vietnam and Sri Lanka. He also mentioned that leaders like Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam are always in the hearts of Sri Lankans. The Minister further highlighted that throughout history, Vietnam and Sri Lanka have maintained a strong relationship, both as countries and politically, and this enduring connection has remained unchanged from the past to the present.

The Ambassador, expressing her views, stated that she would like to extend her best wishes to the new government and emphasized her desire to further strengthen the existing relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka. She also expressed pride that leaders like Ho Chi Minh remain in the hearts of Sri Lankans. The Ambassador highlighted that due to factors such as Sri Lankans creating a statue in his honor and composing a song for him, the cultural and political bond between the two countries is clearly reflected.

The Ambassador also stated that both Vietnam and Sri Lanka are currently undertaking significant efforts in the agricultural sector. She expressed Vietnam's readiness to provide necessary cooperation to support the development of the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the Ambassador mentioned that Vietnam requires Sri Lanka's assistance in agricultural development. In this regard, she indicated that Sri Lanka’s expertise in tea production-related advisory support would be beneficial. Furthermore, she expressed agreement on the exchange of technical and advisory support for fruit production, targeting export markets, between the two countries.

The Ambassador further mentioned that within the past decade, Vietnam has focused on exporting fruits to international markets and that there is no competition in the export of crops between the two countries. She expressed agreement on the need to exchange support for the development of agricultural production aimed at securing a good foreign market for crop exports. Additionally, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of ensuring food security between the two countries, as well as the exchange of post-harvest technical knowledge.

The Ambassador also stated that Vietnam is ready to invest in the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka according to the country's needs and is prepared to prioritize crops that are essential for Sri Lankan requirements. She mentioned that a large number of Vietnamese citizens are already living in Sri Lanka and expressed that they are ready to provide the necessary support in various sectors in Sri Lanka.

The Minister, while stating that there are no obstacles to exchanging ideas and knowledge, emphasized the need for further discussions to develop the relationship between the two countries. He suggested that sectors such as tourism, the development of direct air routes, the purchase of necessary fertilizers for the agricultural sector, and the exchange of agricultural technology should be prioritized for future long-term discussions. The Minister also expressed special appreciation to the Ambassador for visiting the Ministry.