Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to embark on his first state visit to China since taking office, from January 14 to 17, according to an announcement by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on Friday.
During the four-day visit, President Dissanayake will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He will also meet with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
The visit is seen as a significant step in strengthening the long-standing relationship between Sri Lanka and China. Guo Jiakun, another spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, highlighted the importance of the visit in a press briefing, stating that it holds great significance for the development of China-Sri Lanka relations.
“Sri Lanka and China have been traditional friendly neighbors since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1957,” Guo noted. “Our relations have withstood the changing international landscape, maintaining sound and steady development. This sets a good example of friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries of different sizes.”
China expressed readiness to work with Sri Lanka to use President Dissanayake’s visit as an opportunity to continue their traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust, and expand high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. “We strive for new progress in our bilateral strategic cooperative partnership, based on sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship, to deliver more benefits to our peoples,” Guo added.
Sri Lanka and China have a history of cooperation in various fields, including infrastructure development, trade, and cultural exchange. The upcoming visit is expected to further enhance these collaborations and open new avenues for growth and mutual prosperity.
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Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to visit China
cgtn.com
