China to Sri Lanka's post - pandemic economic recovery

Chinese  President Xi Jinping has assured Sri Lanka that it would support the country's post-pandemic economic recovery and sustainable development.

 

The assurance was given during a phone conversation with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, according to the Chinese embassy in Colombo.

 

‘China stands ready to steadily push forward major projects like the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota Port, and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, providing robust impetus for Sri Lanka's post-pandemic economic recovery and sustainable development,” the Chinese President had emphasized.

 

Xi Jinping pointed out that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Sri Lanka have pulled together and helped each other, writing a new chapter of China-Sri Lanka friendship.

 

China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral ties, and stands ready to work with Sri Lanka to determine the strategic direction and achieve steady growth of the relationship, he pointed out.

 

China will continue to provide as much assistance as its capacity allows for Sri Lanka's fight against COVID-19, and seek to gradually carry out cooperation in fields like aviation and education while keeping pandemic control measures in place, and continuously explore new channels and areas of collaboration.

 

Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka warmly congratulates the Communist Party of China (CPC) on the 100th anniversary of its founding and highly appreciates the historic achievements made by the CPC. Particularly, under President Xi Jinping's strong leadership, China has made great achievements in economic development and the fight against COVID-19. Sri Lanka thanks China for its valuable support, and is willing to collaborate closely with China to firmly support each other's positions on issues concerning respective core interests and safeguard our common interests.

 

He noted Sri Lanka hopes to learn from the CPC's governance experience, and especially looks forward to strengthening exchanges and cooperation on poverty alleviation and rural vitalization strategies.

 

He said The Sri Lankan side is willing to work with China to expand cooperation in fields like infrastructure and tourism, and smoothly advance major projects such as the Colombo Port City. He is confident that these efforts will boost his country's economic and social development and bring the Sri Lankan people more benefits.