Source: Xinhua    Published: 2015-10-20

South Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, will jointly participate in building the China-proposed 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, said Karu Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka`s Speaker of Parliament.

Speaking at the 4th China-South Asia Friendship Organizations Forum which began in the island nation on Monday, Jayasuriya said that the the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road was based on common opportunities and benefits, and the South Asian countries have responded positively to it.

He further said China and South Asian countries shared a long history of friendship and China had for a long time supported the social and economic development in Sri Lanka. "This will be remembered by Sri Lankan people forever," he said.

In the future, Sri Lanka will continue to work with China to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields of bilateral, political, economic and cultural relations and will work towards further strengthening the relation between the two nations, Jayasuriya added.

Lin Yi, Vice President of Chinese People`s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said that the forum aims to build a dialogue platform to promote the friendly relations between China and South Asia.

"The `One Belt, One Road` development strategy coincides the needs of peaceful development and human common destiny. We hope the participants will carry forward the Silk Road spirit, and make full use of their own advantages to strengthen exchanges, deepen cooperation and promote information sharing to promote construction of the `One Belt One Road`," he said.

Wang Yingqi, Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, said in his speech that through the "One Belt, One Road" initiative, China is committed to sharing development opportunities and outcomes with more countries.

The four-day forum was participated by friendship organizations of many countries, including India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.