In an effort to strengthen bilateral ties, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Beijing on Thursday. The leaders discussed enhancing economic and trade exchanges, aiming to achieve more fruitful results in their collaboration.
During the meeting, Premier Li emphasized the enduring friendship between China and Sri Lanka, which spans over a thousand years. He expressed China’s readiness to work closely with Sri Lanka to implement strategic consensus, deepen political mutual trust, and expand practical cooperation.
“Over the past 68 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the relationship between our two countries has withstood the test of international changes and has maintained a steady and healthy pace of development,” Li stated.
Premier Li highlighted China’s willingness to align development strategies with Sri Lanka, jointly pursue high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and promote cooperation projects like the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port. He also proposed expanding collaboration in green development, digital economy, agriculture, and maritime sectors.
China is open to importing more high-quality products from Sri Lanka and encourages capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Sri Lanka. Premier Li expressed hope that Sri Lanka would continue to optimize its business environment to provide more convenience and security for Chinese enterprises.
The two sides agreed to deepen exchanges in culture, tourism, youth, sports, media, and other areas. Premier Li affirmed China’s willingness to work with Sri Lanka and other Asian countries to practice true multilateralism and safeguard common interests.
President Dissanayake praised China’s remarkable achievements in economic and social development and its important contributions to global peace and development. He expressed Sri Lanka’s deep admiration and gratitude for China’s valuable assistance in realizing national independence and economic and social development.
“Sri Lanka attaches great importance to relations with China, always abides by the one-China principle, and appreciates and supports the three global initiatives put forward by the Chinese president,” Dissanayake said.
He emphasized Sri Lanka’s desire to learn from China’s experience in poverty alleviation and industrial development. President Dissanayake expressed eagerness to achieve substantive results in bilateral cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, investment, energy, science and technology, and infrastructure construction. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening communication and coordination in international multilateral affairs to write a new chapter in bilateral relations.
Reference(s):
Premier Li calls for enhanced economic, trade exchange with Sri Lanka
cgtn.com
