According to a government source, while the immediate focus of both visits will be on the recent natural disaster and recovery support, discussions will also extend to broader areas including economic cooperation, bilateral relations and regional developments.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is due to arrive tomorrow, accompanied by a high-level delegation, and is expected to meet President Dissanayake the following day. During the visit, Mr. Jaishankar will convey a personal message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the President.
“The discussions will cover a wide range of cooperation areas, particularly strengthening economic ties. The President will also convey the appreciation of the government and the people of Sri Lanka for India’s timely assistance during this challenging period,” the source said.
Meanwhile, Zhao Leji, the third-highest-ranking leader in the Chinese government after President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang, will arrive in Sri Lanka on Tuesday on a two-day official visit. He is scheduled to meet President Dissanayake later the same day, accompanied by a Chinese delegation.
The visits are expected to reaffirm Sri Lanka’s diplomatic engagement with key regional partners as the country focuses on recovery, stability and economic revitalization in the aftermath of the cyclone.
