Colombo: Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured continuous support to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena for Sri Lanka's efforts for “political and socio-economic progress” and also said Beijing will stand for safeguarding the island nation's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
China and Sri Lanka agreed to continue to act under the friendship, peace, mutual respect and fivefold principle in international affairs that do not interfere in the internal affairs of a country during a meeting between Xi and Gunawardena on Wednesday at Great Hall in Beijing, the prime minister’s office said in a statement here on Thursday. “Chinese President assured continuous support of China to Sri Lanka’s efforts for political and socioeconomic progress. The Chinese President said that China will always stand for safeguarding independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka,” the statement said.
“It was emphasised that bilateral relations should be based on mutual respect and mutual productivity between the countries, and acting according to that policy would set a good example for both countries,” it added.
President Xi assured that China will support the schemes necessary for the development of Sri Lanka as soon as they are presented. China is willing to work with Sri Lanka to carry forward the spirit of the Rubber-Rice Pact, which is characterised by “independence, self-reliance, unity and mutual support,” to consolidate political mutual trust, enhance exchanges of experience in governance, expand practical cooperation, and advance the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Xi was quoted as saying in an official press release in Beijing.
Earlier on Tuesday, China and Sri Lanka signed nine new agreements as Prime Minister Gunawardena met his counterpart Chinese Premier Li Qing amid Colombo's efforts to restructure its bankrupt economy but no details about the agreement were made available.
China is Sri Lanka's largest bilateral lender owning 52 per cent of the USD 40 billion external debt when Sri Lanka announced its sovereign default in 2022. The Chinese assurance comes days after the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which concluded its second review of the USD 2.9 billion bailouts with Sri Lanka, said reaching an agreement with the country's commercial creditors, the international bondholders and China Development Bank was the key to achieving debt sustainability.
During the high-level bilateral talks, the Chinese Premier praised Sri Lanka's economic progress after a period of economic downside and said his country would also extend assistance to develop Katunayake International Airport, Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City, news portal NewsFirst.lk said.
(With inputs from agency)
Also Read: Sri Lankan Navy detains 15 Indian fishermen for alleged poaching in northern Jaffna Peninsula
Top News
Aaj Ki Baat: Full episode, March 28, 2024
‘What is the need for…’, Orry slams influencer for defaming him after he avoided shaking hands
Riyan Parag, Yuzvendra Chahal shine as Rajasthan Royals record comeback win against Delhi Capitals
Related World News
Punjab man, who paid Rs 12 lakh to agent to enter Europe, found himself on ‘donkey route’, deported
‘China may repeat its baseless claims on Arunachal but…’: India’s strong message to Beijing
‘Completely unacceptable’: India hits back at US over latest remarks on Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest
US: Suspects in Indian family froze to death case on Canada border plead not guilty
India and China hold fresh talks on complete disengagement at LAC with no concrete breakthrough
Latest News
Aaj Ki Baat: Full episode, March 28, 2024
BJP and Congress: A look back at changing election symbols of national parties
Samajwadi Party pays ‘humble tribute’ on gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari’s death
Mukhtar Ansari Dead: Crime story of Uttar Pradesh don with over 60 pending cases
© 2009-2024 Independent News Service. All rights reserved.
Aaj Ki Baat: Arvind Kejriwal’s ED remand extended till April 1 in Delhi liquor policy scam
Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Bridge Collapses Caused By Ships In United States | A Brief History
KL Rahul Likely To Miss 5th Test Against England In Dharamsala | Sports Wrap
Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Did Varun Gandhi’s past statements compel BJP to deny him ticket?
Swatantra Veer Savarkar Box Office Day 6: Randeep Film Crosses ₹10 Cr In India | E Wrap
Aaj Ki Baat: Full episode, March 28, 2024
BJP and Congress: A look back at changing election symbols of national parties
Odisha Assembly elections: BJD allots tickets to 4 women instead of their politician husbands
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: What is election symbol and how do candidates get it? | Explained
OPINION | CONFUSION IN OPPOSITION OVER SEAT SHARING
BJP and Congress: A look back at changing election symbols of national parties
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: What is election symbol and how do candidates get it? | Explained
Maharashtra: Shiv Sena Shinde declares 8 candidates, fields Rahul Shewale, Hemant Patil
Govinda joins Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena ahead of Lok Sabha elections
Chirag Paswan meets Nitish Kumar in Patna, first after JDU’s return to NDA
Riyan Parag, Yuzvendra Chahal shine as Rajasthan Royals record comeback win against Delhi Capitals
RCB vs KKR match prediction: Who will win in IPL 2024 match 10? Top performers and probable XIs
RCB vs KKR, IPL 2024 pitch report: How will surface at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru play?
Keshav Maharaj replaces Prasidh Krishna at Rajasthan Royals, KKR sign 16-year-old Afghan spinner
RR vs DC IPL 2024 Highlights: Riyan Parag’s career-best T20 knock boosts Rajasthan Royals to big win
Punjab man, who paid Rs 12 lakh to agent to enter Europe, found himself on ‘donkey route’, deported
‘China may repeat its baseless claims on Arunachal but…’: India’s strong message to Beijing
‘Completely unacceptable’: India hits back at US over latest remarks on Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest
US: Suspects in Indian family froze to death case on Canada border plead not guilty
India and China hold fresh talks on complete disengagement at LAC with no concrete breakthrough
‘What is the need for…’, Orry slams influencer for defaming him after he avoided shaking hands
Amar Singh Chamkila: ‘The day I have…’, Parineeti waited for 9 years to work with Imtiaz Ali
‘Gonna be next superstar…’, Netizens hail Vikrant Massey’s acting in ‘The Sabarmati Report’ teaser
Parineeti Chopra gives befitting reply to her pregnancy rumours on Instagram
Siddharth confirms engagement with Aditi Rao Hydari, shares adorable picture on Instagram
Riyan Parag, Yuzvendra Chahal shine as Rajasthan Royals record comeback win against Delhi Capitals
RCB vs KKR match prediction: Who will win in IPL 2024 match 10? Top performers and probable XIs
RCB vs KKR, IPL 2024 pitch report: How will surface at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru play?
Keshav Maharaj replaces Prasidh Krishna at Rajasthan Royals, KKR sign 16-year-old Afghan spinner
RR vs DC IPL 2024 Highlights: Riyan Parag’s career-best T20 knock boosts Rajasthan Royals to big win
iPhone Se 4 to reportedly feature OLED screen manufactured by BOE
Tata Nexon gets 5 new AMT trims in India: Check price, specifications
How to activate UPI international on PhonePe, Google Pay, and BHIM? A step-by-step guide
Google Circle to Search coming to more Pixel, Galaxy devices this week: Details here
LinkedIn tests short-form video feed: All we know so far
Horoscope Today, March 28: Aquarius to change their careers; know about other zodiac signs
Horoscope Today, March 27: Virgo to get benefits in career; know about other zodiac signs
Horoscope Today, March 26: Gemini to achieve financial goals; know about other zodiac signs
Horoscope Today, March 25: Wonderful day for Taurus; know about other zodiac signs
Weekly Horoscope (Mar 25-Mar 31): Leos must invest money wisely; know about other zodiac signs
Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month 2024: What is multiple myeloma? Expert shares insight
Superfood Durian: Know THESE 5 benefits of The King of Fruits
What are Bleeding Disorders? Know causes, types, and diagnosis
Gulal banned on Rang Panchami in Ujjain: How can you protect yourself from toxic colours? Know here
Superfood Maca Root: Know THESE 5 benefits of Peruvian Ginseng
When is Good Friday 2024? Know date, history, significance and why Christians observe it
Balenciaga’s new bracelet sparks internet frenzy over resemblance to clear tape roll
3 Indian restaurants claim top ranks in ‘Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List’
What is the 1-1-1-1 marriage rule? Know how it benefits your relationship
Want to unleash your inner superpowers? Expert explains 7 ways to heal body and mind