President Wickremesinghe meets Chinese President Xi Jinping.

President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China stated that China is committed to assisting Sri Lanka in achieving economic stability without any political agenda. He expressed his desire to collaborate closely with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Furthermore, President Xi Jinping acknowledged that Sri Lanka's speech at the United Nations General Assembly, delivered by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, reflected the country's strategic independence and its neutral stance.

Bilateral discussions between President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is on an official visit to China and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place at the Great Hall of the People. President Xi Jinping warmly welcomed President Ranil Wickremesinghe and after a friendly exchange, the two leaders engaged in bilateral talks.

President Xi Jinping reiterated China's commitment to the 'One China' policy and expressed gratitude for Sri Lanka's support for the 'Belt and Road' initiative. He highlighted the port city and Hambantota port as key projects under this initiative and pledged to promote imports of Sri Lankan products to China and increase investments in Sri Lanka. Additionally, President Xi Jinping assured that China would provide friendly, practical and timely support for Sri Lanka's debt optimization program.

President Xi Jinping also mentioned the historical relations between China and Sri Lanka, citing travel notes by the Faxian monk and Zheng He.

In response, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his appreciation for China's longstanding support to Sri Lanka and commended President Xi...