Sri Lanka hopes to strengthen bilateral relations with all countries, especially in the Asian region, with regard to trade and investment, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said.

Addressing the international conference on ‘The Future of Asia’, an annual event organsied by Japan’s Nikkei newspaper, President Rajapaksa yesterday shared that while firming up bilateral relationship with regional peers, Sri Lanka will strive to balance its ties with India and China, just as it has been successful in maintaining historic relationship with the two giants. 

“Our cooperation with China is on par with the overall economic and trade trajectories. Like many other countries, China is a major investment partner of Sri Lanka,” he said, highlighting that as a developing country, Sri Lanka seeks the support of all partner nations to accelerate development aspirations and improve the livelihoods of its people.

Pointing out that the island nation is well aware of world power rivalries and regional power dynamics, Rajapaksa stressed Sri Lanka will pursue a neutral foreign policy. 

“We consider India as our closest neighbor and long-term friend, and we understand their security needs and sensitivities. We will work closely with India and all regional partners to ensure the security of the Indian Ocean for the benefit of all countries,” President Rajapaksa said.