The President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Truong Tan Sang arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake a short while ago for a three-day official visit on an invitation extended by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The visiting President was received on arrival by President Rajapaksa at the Airport and was accorded a ceremonial welcome including a guard of honour by the Sri Lanka Navy, followed by a 21-gun salute.

The Vietnamese President was accompanied by First Lady, Madam Mai Thi Hanh and a high-powered business delegation.

This is the first state visit by a Vietnamese President to Sri Lanka, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1970. President Rajapaksa made a state visit to Vietnam in October 2009. During this visit, the two countries agreed to promote cooperation in economy, trade and investment to raise a two-way trade path which was at USD 65 million to US$100 million by 2012.

In 2009, the two countries signed five agreements covering areas of investment, cultural cooperation, agriculture development, fisheries and combating crime.

During his stay in Sri Lanka, President Sang is expected to hold talks with President Rajapaksa and several ministers with a view to exploring opportunities for further promotion of relations and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Vietnam for mutual benefits.

At the conclusion of discussions, several agreements and MoUs are expected to be signed on a range of sectors such as bilateral political consultation, defence, investment, finance, industry and commerce, education & training, petroleum etc.

On 14th October, the Vietnamese President will inaugurate the Sri Lanka-Vietnam Business Forum jointly organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of Vietnam in Colombo.

President Rajapaksa will host his Vietnamese counterpart to a state banquet.

On the last day of his tour, October 15, President Sang will open the Vietnam Embassy in Colombo with the participation of Sri Lankan Prime Minister, D.M. Jayaratne as the chief guest. The Vietnamese President is also scheduled to visit Gems & Jewelry Authority prior to his departure from Sri Lanka.

"This visit will mark an important milestone in Sri Lanka - Vietnam relations and would pave the way for greater economic cooperation between the two countries," the Ministry of External Affairs said.