Xi congratulates nation's new leader, offers support for its recovery efforts

President Xi Jinping congratulated Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday on his election as Sri Lankan president, saying that China stands ready to support the island nation's efforts to overcome its difficulties and advance its social and economic recovery.

Xi made the remarks on Friday in a congratulatory message sent to Wickremesinghe, who was elected as Sri Lanka's new president on Wednesday.

Xi said in the message that both China and Sri Lanka are traditional friendly neighbors. Since they established diplomatic ties 65 years ago, the two countries have been advancing the development of their relations based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, he said.

The two countries have set an example of major and small countries developing friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation, Xi added.

He mentioned the two nations' mutual assistance and support in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that their traditional friendship has been further strengthened in the process.

Xi stressed he is confident that under the leadership of Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka will undoubtedly overcome the difficulties it is currently experiencing and advance the process of its social and economic recovery.

Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Sri Lanka ties, Xi said that he is willing to provide as much support and assistance as possible to Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lankan people.

Xi expressed his hope that both countries would carry on the traditional friendship between them, consolidate political mutual trust and advance the development of their strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincerity, mutual assistance and long-lasting friendship.

Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the president of Sri Lanka on Thursday in the nation's parliament by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.

He administered the oaths of office to ministers of the interim government on Friday, following the inauguration of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

Soon after winning the election on Wednesday, Wickremesinghe addressed the nation's parliament, calling on all legislators, including opposition parliamentarians, to unite and work together with him to lead Sri Lanka out of the current economic crisis.

"We are at a critical juncture. There is an economic crisis and the youth want a system change. People want all parliamentarians to come together," said Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lanka is in the midst of severe economic turmoil and has sought assistance from the International Monetary Fund and friendly nations to supply basic essentials such as fuel, gas and medicines.

Xinhua contributed to this story.