Port city issue should not hinder bilateral ties: China

Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao says that the temporarily suspended port city development should not hinder the strengthening the friendly relationship between Sri Lanka and China.

Jianchao predicted that Sri Lanka and China will enter into a new phase in its relationship with the scheduled visit of President Maithripala Sirisena later this week.

Jianchao added that ongoing projects between Sri Lanka and China are import to the economic development of both countries and said that the Chinese companies have always maintained the required standards when carrying out Sri Lankan projects. “Everything has done according to the law within the legal framework of two parties” the Minister added

However, he said that he respects Sri Lankan government’s decision to review several major development projects.

When Ada Derana asked the Minister, whether it will be on the discussion table when the President visits China, he added that it is inevitable that it will be raised at some point of discussion.

The Minister added that certain Chinese firms have met him after Lankan government’s decision to temporarily suspend the projects and said the investors were concerned about the continuity of the investment policy of Sri Lanka.

However, he said that the problems in the port city should not hinder the overall growth of the bilateral relationship between the both countries.

He added that there has to be a consistency in the Lankan investment policy if one has to explore and invest in the country.

When asked about the itinerary of President Sirisena, the Minister added that both countries are scheduled to sign several pacts, however, did not disclose the contents of these agreements.

Meanwhile, the Minister also disclosed that President Sirisena is scheduled to meet the Chinese leader and the Prime Minister during his three day stay in China.

Shehan Baranage reporting from Beijing China