By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): China is willing to offer assistance to Sri Lanka without political conditions and buy more of its exports, President Xi Jinping told his Sri Lankan counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Beijing on Friday (Oct. 20), foreign media reported.
Further, the two sides have agreed to strengthen the coordination on international and regional affairs.
According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing, the two leaders have pledged to further consolidate the strong partnership and expensive cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.
The Sri Lankan president arrived in Beijing on October 16 to attend the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
A stream of leaders from emerging market countries reached Beijing for the meeting organized by the Chinese government to mark the 10th anniversary of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation kicked off on Wednesday (Oct. 18) under the auspices of President Xi Jinping, marking a significant milestone in international cooperation.
During the conference, President Xi unveiled a set of comprehensive policies, aligned with the BRI, reflecting its commitment to fostering global partnerships.
During the bilateral discussions, the two leaders have pledged to further consolidate the strong partnership and extensive cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.
Sri Lanka has informed the Chinese leadership about its interest to enter into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang expressed profound gratitude for Sri Lanka’s enduring support through the historic Rubber-Rice Agreement with the People’s Republic of China.
He emphasized that the Chinese people will always remember this gesture of goodwill and assured that China remains committed to extending its supportive hand to Sri Lanka.
The bilateral discussions between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Chinese Vice Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang took place in Beijing.
During this meeting, the Chinese Vice Prime Minister reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for the development of the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port within the framework of the “Belt and Road Initiative”.
He also expressed confidence in the successful realization of both projects under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the historical significance of the China-Sri Lanka Rubber-Rice Agreement, the first foreign commercial agreement entered into by Sri Lanka.
He emphasized the importance of establishing new commercial relations that align with the shared principles of both nations.
