News
High-powered delegations to China and India emphasise importance of strengthening bilateral economic collaboration
View(s):The need to further strengthen bilateral economic collaboration was highlighted during visits by two high-powered delegations to China and India this week.
A delegation led by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena arrived in China on Monday (25) for a six-day official visit. During the visit, the PM held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jingping, Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and the third highest member of the Chinese Communist Party. State Ministers Shehan Semasinghe, Ashoka Priyantha and MP Yadamini Gunawardena were part of the delegation led by the PM.
A joint communiqué issued on Friday after the visit added that the two sides agreed to “keep the momentum of high-level interactions, expand exchanges and cooperation between governments and other stakeholders, strengthen strategic communication, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continue to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas.”
The two sides reaffirmed their mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns. Sri Lanka also reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle, recognizing the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan as an inalienable part of China’s territory.
The two sides expressed satisfaction over the progress of bilateral cooperation in economy and trade. The joint communiqué added that Sri Lanka and China will “work toward the early conclusion of a comprehensive free trade agreement in one package in line with the principles of equality, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.”
During the visit, the two sides signed cooperation documents in industrial investment, standardization, livelihood assistance, agriculture, media and other areas.
Meanwhile, the President’s Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor on National Security Sagala Ratnayake led a delegation to India to assess and discuss bilateral economic connectivity projects between Sri Lanka and India. The discussions were held in New Delhi on March 28, at the invitation of Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.
The President’s Media Division stated that Foreign Secretary Kwatra emphasized that the current juncture presents an opportune moment for both countries to advance agreed-upon projects, attributing this progress to the strategic vision of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Mr. Ratnayaka meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the extensive Indian assistance that played a crucial role in stabilizing the Sri Lankan economy. He also briefed the Indian delegation of Sri Lanka’s ongoing negotiations with the IMF and underscored the imperative of pursuing economic growth. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing economic integration with India through improved connectivity, reflecting on the historical ties that bind the two nations as the closest neighbour.
Both sides also conducted a comprehensive review of all bilateral projects, focusing on their timely implementation. “It was mutually agreed to engage in this review process on a quarterly basis, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring effective progress in bilateral economic cooperation,” the President’s Media Division stated.
Secretaries to the Ministry of Transport and Environment, the General Manager of Railways and the Director General of Customs were part of the delegation.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!