China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong has met Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe had expressed “steadfast support” for the South Asian island, a statement said.
“During the discussions, Vice Minister Sun Weidong reiterated China’s steadfast support for Sri Lanka in its ongoing economic recovery,” a statement from President’s media office said.
“The President expressed his sincere appreciation for the unwavering assistance provided by China during this critical period.
“Vice Minister Sun Weidong announced China is keen interest in exploring opportunities to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.”
Sri Lanka is in talks with bilateral creditors including China to restructure the island’s defaulted debt.
China’s Sinopec has been given 150 filling stations from state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to distribute fuel.
Sinopec is also bidding for land to build a refinery in Hambantota in the island’s South, where CM Ports group is operating port.