UPDATE: President Xi Jinping says that practical cooperation in various fields should be carried out, while ensuring the prevention and control of COVID-19

Chinese President Xi Jinping has suggested that China and Sri Lanka, should gradually resume practical cooperation in various fields, advance major cooperation projects in an orderly manner and also promote the Belt and Road initiative. President Xi Jinping has noted these affairs should be carried out, while ensuring COVID-19 prevention and control, according to Chinese media. Xi recalled that various sections of Sri Lankan society offered China active support at a critical moment in China's fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, calling there were many moves made which were particularly heart-warming and touching. He noted that under Gotabaya's strong leadership, Sri Lanka has effectively contained the spread of the virus, adding that China stands ready to continue to provide firm support and as much assistance as its capacity allows for the South Asian country in line with its needs. The Chinese president expressed his confidence that the people of Sri Lanka will certainly defeat the virus at an early date. Xi also thanked the Sri Lankan Government and the people for taking care of Chinese citizens in their country during the pandemic, and said the Chinese side will continue to ensure the safety and health of Sri Lankan citizens on its soil. Responding to the Chinese President, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that under Xi's strong leadership, China's fight against COVID-19 has made remarkable achievements, and the Chinese people have demonstrated extraordinary wisdom and strength. Noting that Sri Lanka and China enjoy a long-running friendship with cooperation in various fields advancing smoothly, he said China has over the years provided tremendously valuable support and help for Sri Lanka's economic and social development, for which the Sri Lankans are deeply grateful. Sri Lanka is willing to work with China to enhance exchanges and cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, tourism and infrastructure, and smoothly push forward major Belt and Road cooperation projects such as Colombo Port City, President Rajapaksa said, adding that he welcomes more investment from Chinese enterprises. This dialogue between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place during a telephone conversation late last night.