Wang Yi: China-Sri Lanka cooperation never targeted third party

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (left) with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa

China-Sri Lanka cooperation has never targeted any third party and it should also not be affected by any third party, Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said yesterday.

Wang made the remarks during separate meetings with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo, stressing that deepening cooperation between China and Sri Lanka will surely be conducive to the peace and development of the region.

“As a country with independent sovereignty, Sri Lanka wasn’t, isn’t and won’t be a ‘sphere of influence’ of any country,” Wang noted.

Gotabaya said his country is ready to enhance Sri Lanka-China ties, strengthen bilateral win-win cooperation in various fields, and actively promote the joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative to build regional shipping and logistic hubs. 

Mahinda said the Government fully supports the development of major projects such as the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota Port. Sri Lanka welcomes more Chinese tourists as well as more Chinese investments, he added.

Constructed by China, the Colombo Port City is Sri Lanka’s largest foreign direct investment project and is expected to attract billions of dollars in investments in the coming years. It will also create over 80,000 jobs and will transform Sri Lanka into a regional business and financial hub. 

Wang also met with Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, telling him that China regards the island country as a trustworthy friend and a partner of mutually beneficial cooperation. 

Sri Lanka is grateful that China has always supported the island country in safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity as well as in fighting terrorism and extremism, Gunawardena said. 

Wang made the visit to Sri Lanka after concluding a five-nation tour in Africa. (CGTN)