Courtesy Ceylon Today

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang has assured China’s continued support to Sri Lanka to assist in greater economic stability.

During a phone conversation with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Chinese Premier said China empathizes with Sri Lanka for the difficulties and challenges it faces and asserted that China is ready to provide much-needed livelihood assistance for Sri Lanka within its capacity.

The Chinese Premier also assured his Sri Lankan counterpart that China is ready to play a constructive role in Sri Lanka’s stable socio-economic development based on the principle of non-interference in its internal affairs.

China also assured support for continuous progress in bilateral practical cooperation projects, and hopes for an early start of the negotiation and signing of their free trade agreement, so as to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation.

Sri Lanka is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in finance, economy, trade and tourism, advance the negotiation of the bilateral free trade agreement, and deepen bilateral cooperation,” Prime Minister Rajapaksa said.

He also thanked the Chinese government for providing emergency humanitarian aid and the continued support and cooperation.