(VOVworld) – Vietnam and Sri Lanka enjoy many advantages that will enhance bilateral relations in the future, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Phan Kieu Thu during a live interview on the Radio Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka (Photo: Ramsaytravelwork)

Ambassador Thu said Vietnam-Sri Lanka ties have strongly developed in recent years with two-way trade growing 30%, the fastest growth among South Asian countries.

Sri Lanka is expanding its investment in Vietnam. Its 14 current projects are worth 77 million USD.

In addition to providing more information for investors, the two nations should establish direct air routes to facilitate investment, trade, and tourism. Thu said the embassy will do its utmost further expand bilateral relations.

Ambassador Thu said the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community late last year is a step forward in the regional economic integration and important to maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia, especially in the East Sea.

She said China’s test flights on Chu Thap (Fiery Cross) Reef in Vietnam’s Truong Sa archipelago and its repeated violations of Vietnam’s flight management area are a serious violation of Vietnamese sovereignty.

Ambassador Thu reiterated Vietnam’s stance of dealing with disputes by peaceful means based on mutual respect, international law, and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. She noted that the maintenance of peace and stability in the East Sea and ensuring freedom of navigation are in the interest of all countries within and outside the region.