China and Sri Lanka Pledge to Strengthen Economic and Strategic Cooperation

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening economic and trade relations with Sri Lanka during a meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is on a state visit to China.

Highlighting the enduring friendship between the two nations, which spans over a millennium, Premier Li emphasized the importance of implementing the strategic consensus reached by their respective heads of state. He called for enhanced political trust, expanded practical cooperation, and a joint effort to build a community with a shared future.

“Over the past 68 years of diplomatic relations, China and Sri Lanka have maintained a steady and healthy relationship despite international changes,” Li noted. He underscored China’s willingness to align development strategies with Sri Lanka and promote high-quality development under the Belt and Road Initiative, with key projects including the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port.

The Chinese Premier also outlined plans to strengthen cooperation in green development, the digital economy, agriculture, and maritime sectors. He reiterated China’s intention to import more high-quality Sri Lankan products and encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest in Sri Lanka. Li urged Sri Lanka to continue optimizing its business environment to facilitate these investments.

Li further proposed deepening cultural, tourism, and youth exchanges, alongside cooperation in sports and media. He also reaffirmed China’s commitment to working with Sri Lanka and other Asian nations to uphold multilateralism and protect shared interests.

President Dissanayake expressed admiration for China’s economic and social achievements and its contributions to global peace and development. He acknowledged China’s vital assistance in Sri Lanka’s journey toward national independence and economic progress.

The Sri Lankan leader reiterated his country’s adherence to the one-China principle and its support for China’s global initiatives. Dissanayake emphasized Sri Lanka’s eagerness to learn from China’s successes in poverty alleviation and industrial development. He called for strengthened bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, energy, science, and infrastructure.

Dissanayake concluded by expressing his hope for closer communication and collaboration in international multilateral forums, aiming to write a new chapter in Sri Lanka-China relations.