Thursday, 2nd October 2014
Chaminda Perera
External Affairs Minister Professor G.L. Peiris yesterday said the historical ties between Sri Lanka and the People's Republic of China have not been confined only to the two governments.
He said that the relationship has bound the two societies and the communities of the two nations together. "All aspects in the relationship between Sri Lanka and China has focused on the people," he said
The minister added that there are many facets in this relationship which are not confined to only two governments.
The minister said the historical visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Sri Lanka is unique and it brought tangible and significant benefits to Sri Lanka.
"The significance of this benefit is the progress being made toward the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between the two nations," he said. The External Affairs Minister was speaking at the 65th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Tuesday evening organized by the Sri Lanka 'China Journalists Forum' in association with the Sri Lanka China Friendship Association, Sri Lanka China Society, Association for Sri Lanka China Social and Cultural Cooperation and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.
The minister said on the occasion of President Rajapaksa's State Visit to the People's Republic of China, Chinese President Xi Jinping told his officials to give priority for the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between Sri Lanka and China. Prof Peiris said the Chinese President expressed his wish that the agreement could be concluded before end of this year.
"The benefits accruing to Sri Lanka through this FTA are incalculable," he said.
The External Affairs Minister added that entry to the vast market on terms which are advantageous to Sri Lanka through FTA is very important.
The External Affairs Minister said the 21st century Maritime Silk Route concept propounded by the Chinese President will help bring more economic benefits to the countries in the region.,
The minister said that China has always stood by Sri Lanka in the international arena.
"China has always stood for protecting our interests at international level," he said. Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Wu Jianghao said China and Sri Lanka will strive to implement the consensus reached by the two countries during the historical visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Sri Lanka to bring more benefits to the peoples of both countries.
"The Chinese Dream is connected with Mahinda Chinthana and with joint efforts we will realize both, the envoy added.
"With our joint efforts, the friendship between China and Sri Lanka has entered into a new stage. The high level visits are frequent; the cooperation in all areas is developing rapidly," he said.
He said the historical visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping marked a milestone in bilateral ties and it
will inject new impetus and chart the course for bilateral cooperation.
Technology and Research Minister Patali Champaka Ranawaka and UNP Parliamentarian Gayantha Karunaratillake were also present.
From: Daily News. http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=local/sino-lanka-ties-all-encompassing
