The Chinese Government hopes some unsolved issues on the Port City project will be resolved soon in a bid to pave the way for the resumption of the project.
“As you have noted, the Sri Lankan cabinet has recently approved the environment evaluation report of the Colombo port city project, basically clearing the way for resuming the project. We also hope that the two sides will maintain communication and reach agreement on unsolved issues at an early date to pave the way for the resumption of the project,” China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said.
He also added the cooperation between China and Sri Lanka has always been based on equality, mutual benefit and win-win situation. “We also believe that the Sri Lankan side will actively discuss with the Chinese side on how to deepen pragmatic cooperation based on its own needs of social and economic development.
China and Sri Lanka released a joint statement when Sri Lankan Prime Minister visited China. The two countries agree that relevant maritime issues should be properly resolved by parties concerned through friendly negotiation and constructive dialogue.
This is in line with China’s consistent policy and position. As you know, for issues that are in their nature sovereignty and maritime rights and interests disputes such as the South China Sea issue, certain country’s attempt to solve it through forceful arbitration is not helpful to regional peace and stability nor international practices in the long run. Therefore, China is strongly opposed to that.
During Sri Lankan Prime Minister’s visit to China, the two sides had an in-depth discussion on how to expand mutual cooperation including trade and investment cooperation following the principles of equality and mutual benefit. The Sri Lankan side did express their welcome to Chinese companies to extend their investment in various fields including infrastructure in Sri Lanka, and the two sides are also exploring specific ways of cooperation. Specific information will be released timely if there is any,” he added.
