China looks to Maithri for better ties

20 March 2015 02:54 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Ahead of President Maithripala Sirisena's visit to China, a top Chinese official said on Monday that the leaders of the two countries would seek to further consolidate bilateral relations.

Addressing a group of journalists from Sri Lanka, Huang Xilian, the Deputy Director General of Asian Department- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Monday that the agenda of the visit was being prepared at the moment.

The visit is expected to take place during the end of this month. He said China and Sri Lanka were all weather partners, and the new government of Sri Lanka has also asserted its policy towards China in this regard.

He noted China elevated its relationship with Sri Lanka to the level of Strategic Partnership Cooperation during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping last year.

"Chinese people saw the kind of welcome accorded by the Sri Lankan people to the Chinese President. When the new government was elected in Sri Lanka, we immediately got in touch with them. We intend to further our relations," he said.

He said, "We treat Sri Lanka as equal in our friendly relations and cooperation".

Asked about the suspension of the Port City project, he said China expected that Sri Lanka would safeguard the legitimate rights of the Chinese company involved in this case.

"The new government has taken a decision to review the project. We respect the decision. We need to abide by the laws and regulations. We think the new government will handle it," he said. (Kelum Bandara in Beijing)

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Comments - 14

Euclid Friday, 20 March 2015 09:20 AM

Sir, it is alway better to have ties with "Real" Royalty. You were treated well in London and I am proud. A great simple President we have.

Oldie Friday, 20 March 2015 09:35 AM

Lets not forget the support given by China to fight terrorists when the west was pulling our leg. via DM Android App

daily editor moda Friday, 20 March 2015 09:52 AM

Chinese always job well done. Eg. BMICH, Rice/rubber pact road development etc. If some body make a commission of 10% ,this. is allowed in INTERNATIONAL management but we PEOPLE of the country wants THING TO BE DONE.We like Indian food as well as Chinese food.

upali Friday, 20 March 2015 12:13 PM

No Maithri is only interested with Indian affiliation.

Prem Nath Friday, 20 March 2015 12:43 PM

Handle it they must,but with renewed amendments to the contract beneficial to both countries.

Cheers Friday, 20 March 2015 01:51 PM

Maithree in a Chinese soup bowl not knowing to sit or stand

Gamaya Friday, 20 March 2015 04:50 PM

No land on free hold or on 99 year lease.

Siri Friday, 20 March 2015 05:19 PM

India is trying to drive the ultimate wedge between SL and China, Dalai Lama.

damithw Friday, 20 March 2015 06:13 PM

"Port City " project should be continued , but at reduced cost. The 25% commission given to MR family need to be retrieved and put into the national Treasury . Next super Power is China, and India will be counter balance. In other words , India will b doing what Soviet Union did when US was super power.henec This "port city" project is very important for SL to keep its clsoe association with the future superpower. If not Sri lanka will be a "CUBA" which was in last half century.

sss Friday, 20 March 2015 07:40 PM

China is opening a world bank for Asia . all courtiers are signing up. They are strong

Freebird Friday, 20 March 2015 08:01 PM

Be cautious about their acts. otherwise my 3 also goes like MR via DM Android App

sarath123 Friday, 20 March 2015 10:55 PM

India never would let us develop our country . we should stick with China if we wish to develop our country .

David Friday, 20 March 2015 11:56 PM

Why is China so keen to build the Port City Project ? Because It only benefits the Chinese interest in this region. China will have easy access to control the vital sea lanes in the Indian Ocean by gaining a permanent food hold in Sri-Lanka. Wake -up Sri-Lanka the Chinese are not building this project because they love us so much but only because it serves their interest. This project will ruin the costal belt and the fishing industry of our beautiful island.

Gehan Perera Saturday, 21 March 2015 04:10 PM

We should have cordial relationship with China and well as India. When we taking decision in any issues we should have in our stance and betterment of the our country. Do not get advise from other countries and always see the past relationship we had with them.

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China looks to Maithri for better ties

Comments - 14

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