His Excellency To Lam - President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members of Parliament, distinguished guests and friends,

¶ 02 It is a great honour for me to address the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the supreme legislative body of your country, representing the will, aspirations and interests of the Sri Lankan people. On behalf of the Party, State and People of Viet Nam, I extend to you, Mr. Speaker, to the Honourable Members of Parliament and to the people of Sri Lanka our warmest greetings, best wishes and heartfelt friendship.

¶ 03 I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Parliament, Government and People of Sri Lanka for the warm, generous and brotherly welcome extended to the high-level Vietnamese delegation.

¶ 04 I also congratulate the State, Parliament, Government and People of Sri Lanka on the important efforts and results achieved in consolidating national stability and advancing recovery and development. Viet Nam believes that, with your long-standing civilized traditions, your strategic location in the Indian Ocean, the mettle of your people and the determination of your leaders, Sri Lanka will continue steadfastly on the path of building a peaceful, stable, prosperous and happy nation.

¶ 05 Sri Lanka holds a special place in the historical memory and hearts of the Vietnamese people. President Ho Chi Minh set foot in Sri Lanka three times during his revolutionary activities. His statue inaugurated in Colombo in 2013 has become a moving symbol of the affection the Sri Lankan people extend to Viet Nam.

¶ 06 For the Vietnamese people, this is not only the footprint of a leader in the journey to seek independence for his nation. It is also the natural meeting of two peoples who cherish freedom, peace, humanity and justice. President Ho Chi Minh affirmed: “If a nation is independent but its people do not enjoy happiness and freedom, then that independence has no meaning.” This ideal resonates deeply with the aspirations of the Sri Lankan people for a nation of independence, peace, stability and better lives for all.

¶ 07 Though geographically distant, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka are close in history, culture and development aspirations. Our two nations cherish ancient traditions, preserve rich identities and uphold compassion, tolerance and harmony. Buddhism and Eastern cultural values have helped guide both our peoples toward love of peace, humaneness and community spirit.

¶ 08 Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 21 July 1970, Viet Nam–Sri Lanka relations have been nurtured for over half a century. Last year, our two countries marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations; President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid a State visit to Viet Nam and attended the UN Day of Vesak celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City.

¶ 09 These events show that our relationship is built not only on diplomatic documents, but also on mutual understanding, trust and sincere affection between our peoples.

¶ 10 Today, before the Parliament of Sri Lanka, I wish to share Viet Nam’s development journey, especially the “Doi Moi” reforms over nearly 40 years.

¶ 11 Nearly 40 years ago, when we began Doi Moi in 1986, Viet Nam faced manifold difficulties. After decades of war, infrastructure was devastated, the economy was stagnant, the people suffered shortages, and resources for development were limited. In that context, Viet Nam chose renewal.

¶ 12 Doi Moi is first and foremost renewal of thinking. To develop the country, we had to face the truth, assess realities correctly, boldly change outdated mechanisms, unleash the creativity of the people, promote the role of enterprises, open our doors to integration with the world and build a socialist rule-of-law State of the people, by the people and for the people.

¶ 13 From a centrally planned, subsidized economy, Viet Nam gradually built a socialist-oriented market economy; developed all economic sectors; ensured the State’s role in management, orientation and development facilitation, while respecting market rules, encouraging competition, innovation and international integration.

¶ 14 In agriculture, Viet Nam empowered farmers, unlocked productive capacity, ensured food security and moved from shortage to self-sufficiency, becoming one of the world’s important agricultural exporters. In industry and services, we opened to investment, developed infrastructure, formed industrial and economic zones, promoted trade and engaged more deeply in regional and global value chains.

¶ 15 In foreign affairs, Viet Nam consistently pursues independence, self-reliance, resilience, peace, friendship, cooperation and development; diversification and multilateralization of international relations; being a trusted friend and reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.

¶ 16 From this practice, Viet Nam has achieved important results, reflected in socio-economic indicators: from food shortages and being among the 20 poorest countries, Viet Nam has become a leading rice exporter, one of the 32 largest economies with GDP reaching USD 514 billion in 2025 and per capita income exceeding USD 5,000; a top-15 global trading and FDI destination, party to over 20 free trade agreements connecting us with more than 60 major economies.

¶ 17 Yet, we are acutely aware of remaining challenges: labour productivity must continue to rise; growth quality must improve; climate change, population ageing, strategic competition, digital transformation, energy transition and shifts in global trade pose new demands. Our achievements do not make us complacent; rather, as we develop, we better understand that development is a continuous journey of renewal, adjustment, perfection and advancement.

¶ 18 From this journey, we have drawn lessons that may be of reference for developing countries:

¶ 19 First, uphold independence and self-reliance while proactively integrating into the world; link FDI attraction and trade expansion with strengthening domestic productive capacity. Independence and self-reliance are the foundation to safeguard legitimate interests and choose a development path suited to national conditions. But self-reliance does not mean seclusion. Internal strength—our people, institutions, culture, traditions, aspirations and creativity—must be harmonized with external resources—knowledge, markets, technology, investment, management experience and cooperation. Integration opens doors, but domestic capacity is decisive. Sustainable development requires stronger domestic enterprises, quality human resources, supporting industries, management capability, innovation and deeper participation in global value chains. Viet Nam is shifting from growth based on capital, labour and natural resources to growth driven by productivity, science–technology, innovation, digital and green transitions, and high-quality human resources.

¶ 20 Second, enhance the role of law, parliament and national governance in enabling development; reform must begin with new thinking and institutional improvement. Sustainable development needs a legal foundation that is stable, transparent, fair and adaptable. If Government opens a path with policy, Parliament must illuminate that path with law, accountability and the people’s will. In Viet Nam, the National Assembly plays a crucial role in institutionalizing development orientations, enacting laws, deciding major national issues, overseeing State activities and reflecting the people’s aspirations. Sound policy can transform a sector; sound development thinking can open a path for the whole nation. Doi Moi changed not only policies, but also how we view the roles of the State, market, citizens and enterprises. We pilot, review, replicate; we are patient yet steadfast; we start from our realities, respect objective laws, and learn selectively from international experience to fit Viet Nam’s conditions.

¶ 21 Third, place the people at the centre, the goal and the driving force of development. Development is not merely GDP growth; it is measured by better lives, children’s learning opportunities, stable jobs, community safety and public trust. With the view “the people are the root,” we have linked economic growth with poverty reduction, social security, education, healthcare, rural development and improved living standards. People are not only beneficiaries, but also creators, participants and owners of the development process. A country develops sustainably only when people truly feel they benefit from, participate in and own that process.

¶ 22 Fourth, regard enterprises, farmers and rural areas as vital foundations of stability and development. In many developing countries, agriculture is intertwined with food security, livelihoods of millions, social stability, community culture and resilience to crises. From our experience, ensuring farmers’ livelihoods, developing rural infrastructure, modernizing agricultural production, deep processing, reducing post-harvest losses, building brands and adapting to climate change are pillars of sustainable development.

¶ 23 The world is changing rapidly. Science–technology, artificial intelligence, digital and energy transitions, climate change, supply chain shifts and strategic competition create both opportunities and challenges for all countries. The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam set goals for Viet Nam to become a modern industrialized, upper middle-income developing country by 2030 and a developed, high-income country by 2045. To achieve this, we are accelerating institutional reform; developing human resources; building integrated, modern infrastructure; advancing science–technology, innovation, digital and green transitions; enhancing national competitiveness; ensuring macroeconomic stability; improving people’s lives; and fostering an advanced Vietnamese culture rich in national identity. Great aspirations must be proven by concrete actions: stronger reform, more effective governance, broader democracy, deeper national solidarity and more substantive international cooperation.

¶ 24 These are not only Viet Nam’s tasks; they are common questions for many developing countries, including Viet Nam and Sri Lanka: how to develop faster yet more sustainably; become more modern yet more inclusive; integrate more deeply while preserving independence, self-reliance and national identity.

¶ 25 On bilateral relations, we wish to open a new, deeper, more substantive and more effective phase of cooperation with Sri Lanka. I am pleased to inform the Parliament and People of Sri Lanka that, based on political trust, traditional friendship and expanding cooperation needs, Viet Nam and Sri Lanka have agreed to elevate our relations to a Comprehensive Partnership. This is an important milestone, opening broader, more substantive and more effective cooperation space between our countries.

¶ 26 In that spirit, I propose the following directions:

¶ 27 1) Strengthen political trust and inter-parliamentary cooperation. Maintain high-level and all-level exchanges; enhance cooperation among Party, State, Government, Parliament and local agencies; make good use of consultation mechanisms, dialogues, joint committees and bilateral cooperation channels. Our Parliaments can intensify exchanges of experience on legislation, oversight, administrative reform, digital transformation of parliamentary work, building laws for sustainable development, protecting vulnerable groups, promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for youth. We welcome more active parliamentary friendship groups to serve as bridges bringing our legislatures and peoples closer.

¶ 28 2) Create stronger breakthroughs in economic, trade and investment cooperation. Our markets, products, geographies and capacities are complementary. Viet Nam can be a bridge for Sri Lanka to strengthen ties with ASEAN and Southeast Asia; Sri Lanka can be a key gateway for Viet Nam to expand cooperation with South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. We have agreed to aim to raise bilateral trade to USD 1 billion in the near future, while facilitating trade, connecting businesses, organizing promotion missions, exhibitions and forums, matching supply with demand and considering more enabling legal frameworks for trade and investment. Priority areas can include agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, electronic and automotive components, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, telecommunications, logistics, infrastructure, tourism, services and information technology.

¶ 29 3) Boost cooperation in agriculture, food security and rural development. In line with our 2025 Joint Statement, Viet Nam is ready to share experience. Agricultural cooperation will add economic value, ensure food security and rural livelihoods, support climate adaptation and promote inclusive development.

¶ 30 4) Develop new drivers: blue economy, logistics, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and green growth. Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it a vital node on global shipping routes; Viet Nam, a maritime nation in Southeast Asia, is advancing a sustainable blue economy strategy. We can cooperate in logistics, seaports, transport, maritime trade, marine environmental protection, disaster response and blue economy development. We can also advance cooperation in digital transformation, e-commerce, AI, digital government, digital public services, digital education and health, renewable energy and green finance—areas unconstrained by geography where knowledge, technology, innovation and data can build new bridges between us.

¶ 31 5) Enhance cooperation in education, culture, tourism and people-to-people ties. Strong relations are ultimately nurtured by mutual understanding and human connections. Our countries have rich potential for cultural, Buddhist, heritage, coastal and eco-tourism. We recognize the importance of air connectivity and encourage early opening of direct flights, alongside measures facilitating tourism, business and exchanges. We should increase exchanges of students, scholars, researchers, artists and young entrepreneurs; expand scholarships; promote university and research cooperation; and organize Vietnam Culture Weeks in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Culture Weeks in Viet Nam. We value Sri Lanka’s experience in archaeology and heritage conservation and look forward to strengthening cooperation in Buddhist, cultural and historical studies. We also hope Sri Lanka will continue facilitating the Vietnamese community to live stably, integrate well and contribute positively to our friendship.

¶ 32 6) Coordinate closely in regional and international fora. In a volatile world, developing countries need greater solidarity, cooperation and a common voice. Viet Nam and Sri Lanka value multilateralism, international law, the role of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and regional cooperation mechanisms. We should continue coordinating on issues of common concern such as peace, stability, maritime security and safety; combating transnational crime, terrorism, cybercrime and illegal migration; participating in UN peacekeeping; responding to climate change; mobilizing climate finance for developing countries; and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. Our 2025 Joint Statement reaffirms the importance of peace, stability, freedom and security of navigation, and respect for international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

¶ 33 Viet Nam welcomes Sri Lanka’s orientation to enhance ties with Southeast Asia and ASEAN and stands ready to serve as a bridge for Sri Lanka to expand cooperation with ASEAN, while hoping Sri Lanka will continue to be a bridge for Viet Nam with South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

¶ 34 Small and medium-sized countries do not seek strength through confrontation. We seek strength through solidarity, international law, self-reliance, quality governance, the people’s trust and mutual confidence among nations. Viet Nam understands the value of peace, having endured war; the value of independence, for which we struggled long to attain and preserve; the value of development, having risen from poverty; and the value of friendship, for in our most difficult years we received precious support and solidarity from progressive peoples around the world, including the people of Sri Lanka.

¶ 35 Today, Viet Nam seeks to transform traditional friendship into a true source of development; political trust into concrete economic cooperation; cultural exchanges into deep mutual understanding; and shared aspirations into tangible projects, programmes and benefits for our peoples.

¶ 36 With over half a century of diplomatic ties, shared historical and cultural affinities and development aspirations, and with the determination of our leaders and the support of our peoples, I am confident that Viet Nam–Sri Lanka relations will enter a new phase—deeper, more substantive and more effective.

¶ 37 From Ha Noi to Colombo, from the East Sea to the Indian Ocean, we share a common belief: peace is the foundation; people are the centre; development is the goal; and friendship is the strongest bridge connecting our nations.

¶ 38 I wish the Parliament of Sri Lanka continued success as a symbol of the will, wisdom and aspirations of the Sri Lankan people.

¶ 39 I wish the State, Government and People of Sri Lanka peace, stability, sustainable development and prosperity.

¶ 40 May the friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka flourish for the benefit of our peoples and for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

¶ 41 Thank you.