Colombo, 9 January 2022 (TDI): Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa met with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Colombo.
During the meeting, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister congratulated the Chinese official on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that Sri Lanka and China enjoy a long-standing friendship with the two celebrating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact this year.
He underscored that China is a great ally of Sri Lanka and the latter attaches great significance to inculcating a strong relationship. Sri Lanka appreciates the persistent help of china when Sri Lanka was in need of assistance.
Mahinda Rajapaksa thanked China for offering COVID-19 vaccines and anti-pandemic supplies. He reiterated that Sri Lanka is looking forward to enhancing bilateral relations as well as jointly addressing challenges and consolidating practical cooperation.
The Chinese Foreign Minister on his part conveyed the greetings of Chinese leaders to the Sri Lankan Prime Minister. He stated that Sri Lanka is an old friend of the Chinese people. China holds this special friendship dear.
Moreover, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka issued commemorative coins to celebrate the 100th anniversary of CPC. Such an act completely reflects the high-level political trust between the two partners.
Wang Yi stated that 2022 marks a significant historical transition in China-Sri Lanka relations. China-Sri Lanka relations stand at a new starting point to embrace new development opportunities.
China always considers Sri Lanka a priority in international vaccine cooperation and will continue to provide full support to Sri Lanka according to its needs to help it secure an early victory against COVID-19.
Furthermore, the Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City are the flagship projects of bilateral collaboration to build the Marine Silk Road.
Likewise, China supports Chinese businesses to invest in Sri Lanka and combine the Chinese capital as well as experience with Sri Lanka’s human resources advantages.
