President Maithripala Sirisena has expressed his support for China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative, saying it would open up a ‘new era for Sri Lanka-China cooperation.’

The President was exchanging congratulatory messages with China yesterday, to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Sri Lanka.

President Sirisena said he was dedicated to promoting relations with China and spoke highly of China’s revival of the ancient ‘Silk Road’ under the OBOR initiative.

The ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative consists a land-based ‘Silk Road Economic Belt’ and an oceangoing ‘Maritime Silk Road’ and is part of China’s economic drive forward.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in turn, appreciated Sri Lanka’s active participation in the Belt and Road initiative and said he was committed to consolidating ‘political mutual trust and expand mutually beneficial cooperation’ with Sri Lanka.