Pathfinder Foundation and China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations sign MOU

Prof. Ji Zhiye President of CICIR and Bernard Goonetilleke Chairman PF sign a MoU to Enhance Mutual Understanding and Cooperation

A five-member delegation from one of China’s oldest and largest think-tanks, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), undertaking a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, held discussions with Milinda Moragoda, founder of Pathfinder Foundation (PF), and senior officials of foundation on 27 April.

Following the conclusion of discussions, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation through collaborative institutional relations.

The meeting was co-chaired by Moragoda and Prof. Ji Zhiye, President of CICIR.  Among the participants from the Chinese side were Zhang Xuegang, Deputy Director, Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceania Studies; Li Li, Deputy Director, Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceania Studies; Song Qingrun, Associate Research Fellow, and Nie Huihui, Assistant Research Fellow of CICIR.

The PF representation consisted of Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman, M.D.D. Pieris, Director, Luxman Siriwardena, Executive Director and Ameera Arooz, Project Manager.

The two delegations discussed several issues of mutual interest. President Ji highlighted China’s interest in developing infrastructure that would connect Western China with Europe and eastern China with countries in the Indian Ocean by developing the ancient Maritime Silk Road. 

Moragoda spoke of the need for Sri Lanka to attract Chinese investment to the island, taking in to consideration the fact that during the period of internal conflict, the Government was unable to focus on infrastructure development. Both sides agreed to devote time to study the issue and come up with conclusions and recommendations.

China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) is a research institution devoted to studying international issues. The CICIR, established in 1980, mainly focuses on international strategy, international politics and economy, global and regional security, and the political, economic, diplomatic and social issues of major world powers. Presently, CICIR consists of 11 institutes, two research divisions, eight research centers and several administrative departments. It has a staff of almost 400, among whom 150 are professors and associate professors.

Pathfinder Foundation counts over 10 years of work experience by playing a catalytic role in changing attitudes towards internationalisation, private ownership and the role of government through research, dialogue, and action. In 2015, the Foundation established a research arm, China Sri Lanka Cooperation Studies Centre (CSLCSC), with a view to gaining a deeper understanding and cooperating with China.  

The Centre works closely with several Chinese institutions such as the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS). The Shanghai based SIIS is taking steps to strengthen its relations with PF by stationing one Chinese scholar at CSLCCS. Further, SIIS is also taking action to establish a similar counterpart institution in China for promoting Sri Lanka-China relations and undertaking studies and carrying out research work in areas of interest to both countries.

Pathfinder Foundation also has close working relationships with several other Chinese institutions. One such institution is the Chinese Peoples’ Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD). Following signing of a MOU with CPAPD several years ago, regular exchanges of professionals have taken place focusing on areas such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries, etc. 

PF has also established a working relationship with Hainan based Boao Forum for Asia, through a MOU signed last year. One of the major events jointly sponsored by PF with the Boao Forum for Asia was the Seminar on One Road One Belt held in Colombo in November 2014. It is the expectation of the Pathfinder Foundation that through regular interaction with well-established Chinese institutions, both countries stand to benefit in many spheres, primarily through promotion of better understanding and cooperation.