Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday, 16 January 2025 02:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
China yesterday expressed readiness to collaborate with Sri Lanka towards a new era of development.
This was conveyed by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his meeting with the visiting Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Beijing.
Dissanayake, on a four-day State visit to China, received a warm welcome on arrival on Tuesday and held an official meeting with President Xi yesterday at the Great Hall of the People.
Upon President Dissanayake’s arrival at the Great Hall, he was warmly received by President Xi. The welcoming ceremony was conducted with great honour, including a ceremonial gun salute. Dissanayake, for the first time since assuming office as President, was sporting a jacket and tie.
Following initial cordial discussions between the two leaders, bilateral talks commenced.
During the discussions, President Xi emphasised China’s readiness to work closely with Sri Lanka in ushering in a new era of development.
He also recalled the longstanding relationship between the two countries, highlighting the close friendship that has existed for decades. President Xi reiterated China’s commitment to continuing its cooperation with Sri Lanka in the future.
Upon concluding the official meeting, both sides proceeded to sign several key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening collaboration in areas such as the economy, social development, and industry.
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake, and Government Information Department Director General H.S.K.J. Bandara were also part of the delegation accompanying President Dissanayake.
