SL, China successfully conclude 12th round of diplomatic consultations

Sri Lanka and China successfully concluded the 12th round of Diplomatic Consultations between the two countries last week.

The consultations were co-chaired by Sri Lanka Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and the People’s Republic of China Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Sun Weidong, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo.

The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation, economic and trade cooperation, current economy recovery process, livelihood assistance and financial support, people-to-people exchanges and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Elaborating on the high levels of development in China leading to a new development paradigm, China’s path to modernisation and successfully elevating millions of Chinese citizens out of poverty in the past four decades, the visiting Chinese Vice Minister Sun Weidong stated that there is opportunity for result oriented cooperation with Sri Lanka.

Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane appreciated China’s assistance to Sri Lanka during the challenging period and sought China’s support in expanding Sri Lanka’s exports to China, particularly the export of Ceylon cinnamon, seafood, fruits, vegetables and gemstones. Further she explained Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and welcomed the increasing trend of Chinese tourist arrivals. During the consultations Sri Lanka and China pledged to further consolidate bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

During the visit, the Foreign Affairs Vice Minister called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

The visiting Chinese delegation also held constructive engagement with the members of the Sri Lanka – China Parliamentary Friendship Association and is expected to visit the Sri Lanka – China Friendship Village in Dewanagala. The Vice Minister will also pay homage to the temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy and call on the Mahanayake Thero of the Malwatte Chapter.

Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were present during the discussion.