Chinese Foreign Minister’s Visit to Sri Lanka Reinforces Centuries-Old Diplomatic Ties
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake in the early hours of today (12), during a transit stop while returning to China following an official visit to South Africa.
The Chinese Foreign Minister, accompanied by a 17-member delegation, arrived in Sri Lanka from Durban as part of this transit visit. He was received at the airport by the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, along with senior officials from the Chinese Embassy, and officials from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Savithri Panabokke, Director General in charge of East Asia and Oceania.
During his brief stay, Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to meet Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, later this morning. Bilateral discussions are expected to take place, focusing on strengthening cooperation and further enhancing the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
The visit is viewed as diplomatically significant, underscoring the deep and enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and China—a relationship that spans centuries, rooted in historical, cultural, and economic exchanges.
Following the meetings, the Chinese Foreign Minister and his delegation are scheduled to depart for China later today.