Chinese President Xi Jinping says China is committed to assisting Sri Lanka in achieving economic stability without any political agenda. He expressed his desire to collaborate closely with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Furthermore, President Xi acknowledged that Sri Lanka’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly, delivered by President Wickremesinghe, reflected the country’s strategic independence and its neutral stance.

Bilateral discussions between President Wickremesinghe, who is on an official visit to China, and President Xi took place on Friday (Oct. 20) at the Great Hall of the People.

The Chinese leader warmly welcomed his Sri Lankan counterpart and after a friendly exchange, the two leaders engaged in bilateral talks.

President Xi reiterated China’s commitment to the “One China” policy and expressed gratitude for Sri Lanka’s support for the “Belt and Road” initiative. He highlighted the Port City and Hambantota Port as key projects under this initiative and pledged to promote imports of Sri Lankan products to China and increase investments in Sri Lanka. Additionally, President Xi assured that China would provide friendly, practical and timely support for Sri Lanka’s debt optimization program.

President Xi also mentioned the historical relations between China and Sri Lanka, citing travel notes by the Faxian monk and Zheng He.

In response, President Wickremesinghe expressed his appreciation for China’s longstanding support to Sri Lanka and commended President Xi for his consistently friendly attitude towards Sri Lanka. He briefed President Xi about plans to construct a Sri Lankan Buddhist temple and stupa in commemoration of the visit of Faxian monk to Sri Lanka. In response, President Xi expressed China’s support for these activities.

President Wickremesinghe expressed Sri Lanka’s hope to establish a maritime economic corridor linking China, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and South Africa. President Xi acknowledged the challenging nature of this endeavour and encouraged President Wickremesinghe to take the lead.

The conversation also emphasized the significance of positioning Sri Lanka as an economic hub in the Indian Ocean region. President Wickremesinghe underlined Sri Lanka’s commitment to preserving peace and the identity of the Indian Ocean region, advocating for cooperation between India and China to foster development in Asia.

President Wickremesinghe disclosed Sri Lanka’s ambition to achieve developed status by 2048 and he highlighted the substantial foundation provided by the eight-step program unveiled at the 3rd “Belt and Road” Forum for International Cooperation.

Additionally, the leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Notable attendees at the event included Foreign Minister Mr Ali Sabry, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Staff Mr Sagala Ratnayaka, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe and President’s Private Secretary Ms Sandra Perera.