Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Sri Lankan counterpart Vijitha Herath on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The two leaders pledged to deepen their strategic cooperative partnership and enhance practical cooperation between their countries.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized China’s readiness to work with Sri Lanka to advance their partnership, characterized by mutual assistance and enduring friendship.
The discussions focused on deepening high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, with a joint commitment to advance two flagship projects: the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota Port. Both sides agreed to accelerate negotiations on a China-Sri Lanka free trade agreement and explore new areas of collaboration in green energy, digital economy, modern agriculture, and marine economy.
“China-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation is mutually beneficial,” Wang Yi stated. “It does not target any third party and should not be interfered with by any third party.”
He also remarked on the region’s dynamics, saying that strategies provoking confrontation and forcing nations to take sides are out of step with the times and lack support from regional countries.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath affirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to its relationship with China and its firm adherence to the one-China principle. He noted that the bilateral cooperation has brought tangible benefits to the Sri Lankan people and has promoted regional development and connectivity.
“We will enhance practical cooperation with China in trade and investment, infrastructure, and maritime sectors,” Herath said, “and further deepen our strategic cooperative partnership.”
