BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) — China has pledged active support for Sri Lanka’s focus on economic development, with both nations aiming to create new milestones in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The two countries also plan to deepen collaboration in modern agriculture, digital economy, and marine economy, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated during talks held here on Wednesday.
President Xi emphasized that China’s comprehensive reforms to advance Chinese modernization will open up new opportunities for Sri Lanka’s growth. These remarks were made during discussions with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is currently in China on a state visit.
Highlighting the enduring traditional friendship between the two nations, President Xi noted that bilateral relations have remained healthy and stable over the past 68 years. He said this serves as an exemplary model of friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries.
Through joint efforts, China and Sri Lanka have steadily advanced their strategic cooperative partnership, characterized by mutual assistance and lasting friendship. This partnership has resulted in fruitful achievements in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and various other fields, delivering tangible benefits to the people of both nations, President Xi added.
Looking ahead, President Xi called for a strategic understanding of bilateral relations, emphasizing the need to jointly build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future.
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2025. Xi held talks with Dissanayake, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2025. Xi held talks with Dissanayake, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2025. Xi held talks with Dissanayake, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2025. Xi held talks with Dissanayake, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)
