Chinese President proposes resuming projects during phone call with President Rajapaksa

• Both Presidents discuss future engagement 
• Xi backs BRI projects, says it will boost economic recovery 
• Chinese President praises GR leadership, grateful for SL support 
• President Rajapaksa acknowledges China’s support, says ready to cooperate on trade, tourism, infrastructure 
• Welcomes investment from more Chinese companies, willing to support faster implementation  

During a discussion with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping called for the two countries to gradually resume practical engagement and advance major projects to promote the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). President Xi made the remarks during a telephone conversation on

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Chinese President Xi Jinping

Wednesday night with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, according to a post published by the Xinhua News Agency.

The Chinese President said such projects will provide impetus for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. President Xi recalled that various sections of Sri Lankan society that offered China active support during a critical moment in China’s fight against COVID-19, with many moves particularly heart-warming and touching. He noted that under Rajapaksa’s strong leadership, Sri Lanka has effectively contained the spread of the epidemic, adding that China stands ready to continue to provide firm support and as much assistance as its capacity allows for the South Asian country in line with its needs.

For his part, President Rajapaksa said that under Xi’s strong leadership, China’s fight against COVID-19 has made remarkable achievements, and the Chinese people have demonstrated extraordinary wisdom and strength. Noting that Sri Lanka and China enjoy a long-running friendship and cooperation in various fields advancing smoothly, he said China has over the years provided tremendous, valuable support and help for his country’s economic and social development, for which the Sri Lankans are deeply grateful for.

The Sri Lankan President added that he appreciates the vision put forward by Xi of building a community with a shared future for mankind and agrees on supporting the WHO in playing a leading role in global anti-epidemic cooperation. Sri Lanka is willing to work with China to enhance exchanges and cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, tourism and infrastructure, and smoothly push forward major Belt and Road cooperation projects such as Colombo Port City, he said, adding that his country welcomes more investment from and cooperation with Chinese enterprises. The Sri Lanka side, he added, stands ready to work with China to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.