Sino-SL ties won't affect any third country: China

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi yesterday assured that the Sino-Sri Lanka cooperation does not target any third country nor will it affect their respective relationship with other countries.

He expressed these views to the media at the Foreign Affairs Ministry after having bilateral talks with Foreign Affairs Minister Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama.

Minister Yi said there was a consensus between the two countries regarding the relationships with other regional countries.

“Sri Lanka expressed understanding over the South China issue that parties directly concern should address their differences through dialogue and consultation on the basis of international law and seek a proper solution to their differences to maintain peace and stability in the region,” he said.

Commenting on the purpose of the visit to Sri Lanka, he said the two countries are to further enhance bilateral relationships and to facilitate mutual visits by the leaders in 2017 to celebrate 60th year anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He said no matter how the international and domestic situations change, the strategic partnership featuring everlasting friendship and sincere mutual assistance will continue.

The two countries will work closely on blue economy, marine technology and maritime security in line with the 21st century Maritime Silk Road elevating development strategies and helping the five-year development plan of Sri Lanka to develop into a shipping centre in the Indian Ocean.

While warmly welcoming Minister Yi as the first ever Chinese Foreign Minister to arrive in Sri Lanka as a high level delegation since the new government was elected, Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera said Sri Lanka values the deep friendship and corporation between the two sides.

He said discussions were held on the Belt and Road initiative forwarded by China and reiterated Sri Lanka’s participation in the initiative as it would help the country to become the hub of the Indian Ocean.

“We agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of trade which we hope to achieve early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) of the two countries. Sri Lanka hopes to host a festival in China next year to improve our relationships, ” he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was scheduled to make courtesy calls on President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe this morning (Saturday). He is scheduled to return to China on Sunday. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

Video by Janaka