> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.jaffnamonitor.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # ‘A New Chapter in Our Bilateral Relations’: Vietnam Envoy Hails Growing Sri Lanka Ties - URL: https://www.jaffnamonitor.com/a-new-chapter-in-our-bilateral-relations-vietnam-envoy-hails-growing-sri-lanka-ties/ - Published: 2026-08-26T11:35:52.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-26T11:35:52.000Z - Author: Our Reporter - Tags: August 2026 **COLOMBO, Sri Lanka —** Vietnam and Sri Lanka are entering a broader phase of diplomatic and economic cooperation, Vietnam’s ambassador said at a National Day reception in Colombo, pointing to upgraded political ties and newly established direct flights as signs of growing engagement between the two countries. Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam, speaking at a reception on Monday marking the 81st National Day of Vietnam, said relations had been elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership following a recent exchange of high-level visits. The reception was attended by Sri Lankan government officials, political representatives and members of the diplomatic corps. “Our two countries share a long history of friendship of more than 55 years, based on mutual respect, trust and understanding,” Ms. Trinh said. She described To Lam's visit to Sri Lanka this year as a major milestone in the relationship. The visit followed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s state visit to Vietnam in May 2025. The two governments agreed during Mr. To Lam’s visit to upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership, a move intended to widen cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic ties. Ms. Trinh said the visit had given new impetus to cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, defense, security and justice. One of the most visible developments has been the introduction of direct air links between the two countries. Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air began operating direct services on Aug. 16, according to the ambassador. Together, the airlines are operating six flights a week between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo. Ms. Trinh said the new connection would make travel easier and create greater opportunities for business, tourism and exchanges between people in the two countries. The expansion of ties comes as Vietnam seeks to project itself as one of Asia’s rapidly developing economies and a more active diplomatic player. Ms. Trinh said Vietnam’s economy grew by 8.02 percent in 2025, with gross domestic product reaching nearly $514 billion. She said the country now has 17 free-trade agreements with major partners, presenting those developments as part of a transformation that began with the Doi Moi, or economic renovation, program introduced in 1986. Vietnam has also expanded its diplomatic reach, maintaining relations with 194 countries and participating in organizations including the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Colombo Plan, Ms. Trinh said. “For us, development and diplomacy go together,” she said, adding that a stronger Vietnam would be better positioned to contribute to “peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the region and beyond.” Vietnam declared independence on Sept. 2, 1945, when Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the establishment of an independent Vietnamese state. Ms. Trinh used Monday’s commemoration to reflect on the wars and difficult reconstruction that followed and on the economic changes of the past four decades. She also thanked the Sri Lankan government, its ministries and agencies and the country’s business community for helping implement commitments reached by the two countries’ leaders. The ambassador singled out the relatively small Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka, describing its members as an important link between the countries through their work, studies and businesses. She said she hoped the community would continue contributing to the expanding relationship as the two governments seek to turn their newly declared Comprehensive Partnership into greater practical cooperation.