SL-China strategic partnership will develop: Wang Yi

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, currently on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of his counterpart Mangala Samaraweera said China looked forward to follow through with strategic planning on bilateral relations made by the leaders of the two countries during previous visits.

“No matter what changes to the international situation and domestic agenda, our strategic and cooperative partnership will continue to develop,” he emphasised.

He said China intended to make the 21 Century Maritime Silk Road a priority, and would work with Sri Lanka “...to better align our development strategies to include your 5-year development plan, so that we can come up with a comprehensive blueprint for our future path of cooperation, and help Sri Lanka build itself into a shipping centre in the Indian Ocean…”

The Foreign Minister said that Sri Lanka and China would continue work towards mutual benefit, and that China would focus its aid on “ports, highways, railways, airports and other mega projects,” and work towards “a common development and shared prosperity.”

He said Sri Lanka and China had agreed to resolve the South China Seas issue through dialogue, and would work closely on marine cooperation.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also promised more frequent high-level contact between the two countries.  

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Managala Samaraweera, in his remarks said that Sri Lanka valued the long-standing friendship and cooperation with China, dating to ancient times.

“Discussions were held regarding the Silk Road initiative put forward by China. Sri Lanka reiterated its participation in this initiative, as it is in line with the government’s initiative to make Sri Lanka the hub of the Indian Ocean trade,” he said.  

He also said Sri Lanka and China had agreed to further enhance cooperation in trade, “..which we hope will be achieved with the early conclusion of the FTA between our two countries.”

“Sri Lanka also welcomes the active support from Chinese enterprises to the development of Sri Lanka’s economy,” Minister Samaraweera said.

The Foreign Minister called for the settlement of South China Sea disputes through “constructive dialogue, consultation and cooperation, in accordance with international laws and practices,” and said that Sri Lanka was appreciative of China’s efforts to “promote such dialogue, to maintain peace and security in the region, while upholding the rule of law in interstate affairs.”