Chinese State Councillor and Defence Minister, General Wei Fenghe stated today (28) that China is ready to work together with Sri Lanka to deepen Military cooperation between the two countries. These remarks were made during the General’s meeting with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa this afternoon. The General also stated that during his friendly and candid discussion with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa earlier today, he conveyed that China will provide another RMB 50 million military assistance gratis. He also remarked that the signing of military protocol has taken place to the total amount of RMB 102 million in military aid in the year 2017 and 2019. General Wei Fenghe also acknowledged that the Chinese and Sri Lankan Militaries have carried out fruitful cooperation in different fields. Views on the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa were also shared, “Under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka has maintained political stability, social harmony and enjoys steady economic growth,” said the Chinese Defence Minister, adding that Sri Lanka has a promising and vibrant future. General Wei Fenghe told Prime Minister Rajapaksa that his visit is an extremely important one which was approved by President Xi Jinping himself as the purpose of it is to implement the important consensus bridged between the two heads of state, to strengthen strategic mutual trust, to deepen cooperation, and consolidate friendship. Addressing China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the General said that, “China and Sri Lanka are working to promote high quality cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative,” He also stated that there is a great potential and brighter future for this cooperation. The General also thanked Sri Lanka for standing up and speaking for China on issues related to Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Recognising Sri Lanka as a partner and a good friend, General Wei Fenghe mentioned that Sri Lanka will receive continuous support from China with regard to issues such as human rights and national reconciliation.