The US is looking to frame a discussion with China about a more positive trajectory, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Dean R. Thompson, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the US State Department said.
Commenting on China in response to a question raised at a teleconference media briefing, he said the US will definitely be discussing where China is headed and looking for ways to strengthen their commitment to human rights rule of law and democracy.
He further said Secretary of State Michael Pompeo will raise concerns on China and also discuss issues related to human rights during his visit to Sri Lanka next week.
Pompeo is set to meet with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena where he is expected to emphasize the US commitment to a strong, independent, and democratic Sri Lanka.
Thompson said that in the interest of strengthening America’s longstanding partnership with Sri Lanka and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the region, the US will encourage Sri Lanka to review the options the US offers for transparent and sustainable economic development in contrast to discriminatory and opaque practices.
He added that the US will urge Sri Lanka to make difficult but necessary decisions to secure its economic independence for long-term prosperity, and the US stands ready to partner with Sri Lanka for its economic development and growth.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Sri Lanka has refuted reports that a team of senior US Military Officers had reportedly arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday (21) ahead of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to the country.
The Embassy clarified that only officials of the US State Department arrived in Sri Lanka ahead of Pompeo’s visit.
The Daily Mirror had earlier reported that a team of US Military officers had arrived ahead to ensure security arrangements for the one-day visit of Pompeo, which is scheduled for next week.
The team of 16 US military personnel had reportedly arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on Qatar Airways flight QR-668 from Doha, Qatar and were to undergo quarantine for one-day prior to commencing their duties, the news report said. (NewsWire with inputs from Colombo Gazette)