News
Jaishankar here tomorrow; Zhao follows on Tuesday
View(s):- Talks with President centre on disaster recovery and strengthening bilateral relations
By Damith Wickremasekara
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will host India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji separately next week as the country begins to rebound from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
While the discussions with the two high profile visitors will be around the recent natural disaster, there will be broader discussions on the economy, bilateral relations and regional issues, a senior government source said.
Mr Jaishankar will arrive tomorrow, accompanied by a high-profile delegation. He will meet with President Dissanayake the following day.
He will convey a personal message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit. “The talks will cover many areas of cooperation, including enhancing economic ties. The President will also extend the appreciation of the government and the people for India’s assistance during this difficult time,” the source said.
Meanwhile, senior Chinese official Zhao Leji and his delegation will arrive in the country on Tuesday and meet President Dissanayake later the same day.
Mr Leji, who is the third-highest-ranking leader in the Chinese government after President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang, will be here on a two-day visit. He will be accompanied by a delegation from his country.
“Along with the immediate needs of the country following the cyclonic disaster, the two sides will also discuss future Chinese aid for the country and strengthening of bilateral relations,” the government source said.
Meanwhile, in addition to the Rs. 500 billion supplementary estimate approved by parliament for cyclone relief activities, a similar amount would be needed next year to assist those impacted by the cyclone, the source said.
“Due to budgetary restrictions as well as the IMF agreement, we have to limit the supplementary estimates for this year, but we will need a similar amount next year as well,” he said.
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