The People's Republic of China and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka have issued a 19 point-joint statement following a high-level meeting between the two countries' leaders during the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The meetinghas resulted in extensive common understandings and agreements on deepening their traditional friendship and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held separate meetings during the forum, discussing a wide range of issues, from economic cooperation to regional and international concerns. The joint statement underscores several key points:

1. Historic Friendship: The leaders of both nations expressed satisfaction over the development of China-Sri Lanka relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1957. Their strong, enduring partnership, based on principles of independence, self-reliance, solidarity, and mutual assistance, has enabled them to overcome various challenges, including natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic difficulties.

2. Mutual Support: Both countries reiterated their support for each other's core interests and major concerns. Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle and opposed any form of "Taiwan independence." China, in turn, affirmed its support for Sri Lanka's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

3. Economic Cooperation: China has provided vital support to Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis in 2022. They reached agreements on debt treatment and agreed to continue cooperating to help Sri Lanka address its financial difficulties and achieve sustainable development.

4. Belt and Road Initiative: Sri Lanka pledged continued active participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative, signing several agreements to accelerate cooperation in this regard. The two countries are committed to sharing development experiences and creating new opportunities for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

5. Trade and Investment: The leaders expressed their intention to conclude a comprehensive free trade agreement to enhance economic cooperation further. China will continue to support Sri Lankan industries in establishing ties with relevant Chinese associations and encourage more investment from Chinese enterprises.

6. Education and Culture: Both nations recognized the importance of education exchanges and cultural cooperation, intending to enhance exchanges of teachers, students, and researchers.

7. Environmental and Technological Cooperation: They agreed to cooperate on climate change adaptation, sustainable development, disaster prevention, and maritime issues. This includes strengthening joint efforts in disaster prevention and mitigation, research, and the blue economy.

8. Multilateral Cooperation: China and Sri Lanka pledged to uphold true multilateralism, promote greater democracy in international relations, and support the multilateral trading system. They also expressed their commitment to making economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to all.

9. Global Initiatives: Sri Lanka affirmed its support for and active participation in China's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. Both nations will work together for global and regional peace, security, development, and prosperity.