Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh said Vietnam will step up cooperation with Sri Lanka to increase two-way trade to US$1 billion by 2015. The Deputy PM, who is also Foreign Minister, made the statement at his talks with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne and Speaker of Parliament Chamal Jayantha Rajapaks, and Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris in Colombo on Monday. Minh said Vietnam always attaches importance to the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Sri Lanka, and expressed his belief that Sri Lanka will soon fulfill its set targets to turn it into an important economic, trade, aviation, maritime and intellectual centre in the region.

Both the host and guest highly valued good performances in the bilateral relations in the past, and shared the view that both sides should further strengthen exchanges and meetings at all levels. The two sides also pledged to encourage and create conditions for their enterprises to do business in each other’s country. The Sri Lankan leaders spoke highly of Vietnam’s development achievements and expressed their wish to get the country’s experience and support in agriculture and aquaculture. The host leaders also said Sri Lanka is willing to help Vietnam in law and international justice, the sectors of its strength. Upon congratulating Vietnam on its election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2014-2016 tenure, they said they want Vietnam to play a more important role in international forums.