New Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong arrived in Colombo yesterday evening.

The new Chinese envoy who arrived on China Eastern Airlines flight MU231 passed a PCR test for COVID 19 prior to his flight and will enter self-quarantine for two weeks, the Chinese Embassy said in a statement.

Considering the current difficult situation in the island, Ambassador Qi politely declined all welcoming arrangements at the airport and only a minimized number of diplomats from the Embassy were at the BIA to receive him,” the Embassy said.

Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong also issued the following written message of greetings to the Sri Lankan public after his arrival at the BIA.

“Dear Sri Lankan friends and my Chinese fellow citizens, The minute I landed on the land of Sri Lanka, “the Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, its beauty, hospitality and kindness have made me feel very touched and heart-warmed. “Entrusted by the Government and the people of China, I assume my office as the new Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka with deep honour in my heart and great responsibility on my shoulder.

“The friendly relations between China and Sri Lanka could be traced back thousands of years ago, and our two countries are strategic cooperative partners based on sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, especially after President Xi Jinping’s visit to Sri Lanka in 2014, we have seen much achievement in bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various areas, and maintained close communication and coordination on international and regional affairs. More recently, the time-tested friendship and trust between our two countries have grown even stronger through the joint fight against COVID-19, which set a great example of foreign relations with sincere friendship and mutual support between different countries.

“As the new Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, I look forward to working with all colleagues and friends both from China and Sri Lanka, and striving for more achievement in the years to come. Let’s join hands to implement the consensus reached by leaders of our two countries, promote our strategic cooperative partnership, build the Belt and Road Initiative and other cooperation with extensive consultation and joint contribution, so as to bring tangible benefits to our two people and better ensure peace, stability, development and prosperity in this region.

“Once again please accept my greetings and gratitude.”