Beijing, June 25th—Guo Yezhou, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with a cadre study group of United National Party (UNP) of Sri Lanka led by Mayantha Dissanayake, UNP leader and Chairman of the Committee on International Relations of the Parliament.
Guo spoke positively of the new progress made in China-Sri Lanka relations, saying that under the leadership of the leaders of the two countries, the political mutual trust between China and Sri Lanka has been continuously strengthened and the cooperation between the two sides under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative has made steady progress. The CPC and the UNP have maintained close and friendly exchanges for a long time, which has vigorously promoted the development of bilateral relations. China is ready to continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation between the ruling parties of the two countries and enrich the connotation of China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship.
Guo introduced China's principled position on China-US trade frictions and expressed condolences to the Sri Lankan side on the recent series of terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka. He said that China will stand firmly with the Sri Lankan government and people and support the Sri Lankan side in fighting against terrorism and maintaining national security and stability.
Mayantha thanked China for its support and assistance immediately after the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, saying that the government and people of Sri Lanka regard China as their most trustworthy good friend and partner. It is believed that under the strong leadership of the CPC, China is capable of dealing with trade frictions provoked by the US and safeguarding the international multilateral trading system. Developing countries including Sri Lanka firmly support China's position. The UNP is willing to deeply earn the experience of the CPC in party governance and state administration, and actively promote the Belt and Road cooperation between Sri Lanka and China to push for common development.