Hakeem meets Vietnamese Premier

Justice Minister and SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem said that certain countries need to refrain from bringing in country specific resolutions at Human Rights Forum. Sri Lanka had just faced such a situation in Geneva at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and strongly resisted such moves.

Hakeem also added that such resolutions are brought to circumvent the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. Minister Hakeem stated this when he met the Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Tan Dung at his office recently.

Welcoming Minister Hakeem, Vietnam Prime Minister said that Sri Lanka is a friend and they are happy that the country id well on its way to progress and development in the post conflict era. Particularly, he is happy that the country is gradually transforming from conflict to peace.

Minister in response thanked Dung for the opportunity afforded for the meeting. Hakeem further said that the country is gradually advancing towards peace, development and social integration. He said that the Government defeated terrorism and protected the territorial integrity and sovereignty.

And long term plans are underway to create a vibrant one nation. Hakeem also likened the fact that the Government is taking control of the entire territory of the country to the reunification of Vietnam.

Hakeem wished that the MoU signed between the two ministries would facilitate such contacts and hoped that it would open new areas of cooperation between the two countries. He also said both countries should also explore possibilities of trade, commerce and investments in future.

Hakeem strongly stressed that certain countries need to refrain from bringing in country specific resolutions at human rights forum. Sri Lanka had just faced such a situation in Geneva at the UNHRC and strongly resisted such moves. He further said such resolutions are brought to circumvent the General Assembly and the Security Council.

The Minister called on the Deputy of the Peoples Supreme Court and the President of the Vietnam Bar Council. He also paid his respects to late President Ho Chi Ming at the Mausoleum in Hanoi.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung welcomed the support extended by Sri Lanka at international forum. He further said that the Vietnamese Government would like to cooperate in the areas of education, culture, science and training.