President Rajapaksa tells US Secretary of State that Sri Lanka is not in a Chinese debt trap
Statement from Sri Lanka President’s office
The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that the United States is ready to continuously engage with Sri Lanka in its striving to achieve economic development goals.
His country expects to further develop already existing strong bilateral relations between the two countries, the State Secretary said.
The high-level US delegation led by the State Secretary Mike Pompeo arrived in the country last night called on President Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat today (28).
During the cordial discussion between the two parties, views on a number of areas of bilateral and regional importance were exchanged.
Expressing the desire of the United State to continue to work closely with Sri Lanka in achieving a high level of economic development the State Secretary said priority will be given to promote US investments in the Island.
Tourism is a key sector that contributes to employment and income generation. USA is ready to give a helping hand to the development of this area under a carefully prepared action plan, Mr. Pompeo stated.
In response President Rajapaksa said what Sri Lanka wants is not obtaining loans continuously but to achieve a high level of economic growth by attracting more foreign investments.
“We have already begun to remove bureaucratic red tapes that hinder foreign investment. Sri Lanka is a country that possesses necessary factors to achieve a high agricultural development. Our agriculture sector should be modernized. Scientific research should be conducted in order to reach this goal. We expect your assistance towards this end”, President Rajapaksa stressed.
Elaborating on the foreign policy of Sri Lanka, President said it is based on neutrality.
Relations between Sri Lanka and other nations are determined by several conditions. Historic and cultural relations, development cooperation are some of the priorities. President stressed that he is not ready to compromise the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation in maintaining foreign relations whatever the circumstances may be.
Noting that China assisted in the development of the country’s infrastructure since the end of the separatist war President reiterated that Sri Lanka not caught in a debt trap as a result.
The two sides agreed to further strengthen the defence cooperation already established
between Sri Lanka and the United States.
These include training opportunities and material assistance from the United States to security forces personnel in Sri Lanka.
When President emphasized the need to strengthen the coastal guard services to combat drug trafficking, State Secretary said that the US could assist in this endeavor.
Mr. Pompeo said that the United States wishes to see that the Indian Ocean remains a zone of peace. He expressed satisfaction over the existing friendly ties between Sri Lanka and India. President Rajapaksa stated that Sri Lanka also hopes to see peace in the Indian Ocean.
Both parties also agreed to work together on human rights issues in international fora.