An event marking the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was recently held at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing, underscoring the enduring ties and shared history between China and Sri Lanka. The commemoration was attended by Palitha Kohona, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to China, and the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. Ali Sabry, along with representatives from various Chinese and international media outlets.
During the event, Ambassador Kohona offered a glimpse into the rich tapestry of China-Sri Lanka relations, emphasizing their status as traditionally friendly and closely connected neighbors. He traced back the vibrant exchange of trade, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation that existed between the two nations along the Maritime Silk Road, fostering their mutual development. Drawing attention to the voyages made by the famed Ming Dynasty navigator Zheng He to Sri Lanka between 1405 and 1433, he revealed that a stone monument erected by Zheng He remains preserved in the National Museum of Sri Lanka, standing as a testament to their shared history and friendship.
Foreign Minister Sabry further elaborated on the multifaceted interactions and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka. He underscored the extensive bilateral discussions on political, economic, trade, investment, tourism, and financial matters as a testament to the strength and depth of their relationship. He also expressed his gratitude for China’s financial support during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, reinforcing the crucial role of this partnership in Sri Lanka’s economic stability.
This commemoration serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted connections between China and Sri Lanka, demonstrating how their shared history along the Maritime Silk Road has fostered mutual development and enduring friendship. As they reflect on the past, they look forward to further strengthening their ties in the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering even greater cooperation in the future.
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