Sri Lanka and China have enjoyed a very close relationship and will continue the friendship in face of the challenging world, said Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena during a recent visit to China.
At the invitation of the Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Gunawardena paid an official visit to China from March 25 to 30.
During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Gunawardena. Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji also met with him.
In an interview with China Media Group on the occasion of the visit, the prime minister highlighted the traditional friendship with China and appreciated China's help for Sri Lanka in times of difficulty.
"That's been a very positive and successful visit for Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka-China relationship is over 60 years, and we have always stood as close friends in all issues. And China has continued to help Sri Lanka in all its challenges, about which President Xi Jinping has the confidence [that] was given to us that future development will also follow the same path of friendship and cooperation. The president very specifically mentioned that our future is of new challenges. We have passed one stage, and now the world is faced with new challenges. Modernization is taking place at a very fast rate. Sri Lanka hopes to modernize our different productive and service sectors, which can take us also to fast growth. We discussed all these issues, and the assurances are always positive. We had an opportunity of speaking to President Xi Jinping which we appreciate, and we'll remember continuously," said Gunawardena.
In the interview, Gunawardena also shared his insights of his understanding on Xi's philosophy.
"It was a very pleasant conversation, but very deep conversation. Because his words, I think, mean a lot when he speaks. So Today he leads one of the greatest nations of the world. So, for all of us, we appreciate this great progress, we got this for the entire mankind. Everyone, every country can benefit from this progress, that is his deep philosophy," said Gunawardena.
During the visit, China and Sri Lanka also issued a joint statement and signed a number of cooperation documents on industrial investment, standardization, livelihood assistance, agriculture and media, and in other fields, providing new impetus for stable and positive development of bilateral relations.
Sri Lanka, China enjoy close relationship for 60 years: Sri Lankan prime minister
