14 October 2022 09:26 pm Views - 2227
China's Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong today assured former President Mahinda Rajapaksa that Chinese tourists would begin to visit Sri Lanka soon as China's COVID-19 common policy allows.
The Chinese envoy paid a courtesy call on Mahinda Rajapaksa today where the two discussed a wide range of issues in relation to further strengthening the cordial relations between Sri Lanka and the People's Republic of China.
During the discussions, Rajapaksa handed over a congratulatory letter addressed to President Xi Jinping, wishing him for the upcoming 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China which will be a new milestone in China's socialist construction.
Ambassador thanked Rajapaksa for his best wishes and said Sri Lanka and China had shared a long history of friendship, trust and mutual understanding which was evident in their relationship even to date.
Ambassador Qi also noted that Sri Lanka was presently facing difficulties but said he was confident the country would restore normalcy soon.
He also assured of China's assistance for Sri Lanka to overcome its challenges.
Rajapaksa also raised the issue of Sri Lankans travelling to China, and Chinese tourists to the island, to which Ambassador Qi responded saying Sri Lankan businessmen and students have already been given visas to return to China and the Chinese tourists will come back to the island as soon as China's COVID-19 common policy allows.
The SLPP leader and the Chinese Envoy also discussed on the international relations at the current crucial moment, and both agreed that the SLPP and the CPC should further enhance exchanges and collaboration especially for the youth members.