(UTV|COLOMBO) – China insists its has lent “sincere support” to Sri Lanka and provides assistance to the best of its ability to help Sri Lanka close its financing gap, boost economic development, improve people’s livelihood and enhance its self-development capability.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said this in response to a question raised over reports that talks between China and Sri Lanka on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have reached a stalemate as Sri Lanka is worried that Chinese investments may make it indebted.
“As a principle, China and Sri Lanka are strategic cooperative partners, and we have lent sincere support to each other as always. In light of Sri Lanka’s needs, China provides assistance to the best of its ability to help Sri Lanka close financing gap, boost economic development, improve people’s livelihood and enhance its self-development capability. This has been applauded by the Sri Lankan government and people.” the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
Hua Chunying said that China attaches importance to its friendly cooperative relations with Sri Lanka and is willing to continue to cooperate with Sri Lanka in the economic, trade and other areas in the spirit of equality and mutual benefit.
The spokesperson said that China stands ready to play a constructive role in helping Sri Lanka follow the path of sustainable development and diversify its economy.
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