China assures continued support to Sri Lanka, pledges to enhance bilateral cooperation

Beijing: China yesterday assured continuous support to safeguard Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity and enhanced assistance for economic development of the island nation.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is on an official four day visit to China met Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao at his official residence yesterday – Pic by Sudath Silva

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has pledged to enhance the bilateral cooperation between the two countries when he met the visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Thursday evening.

The Chinese Premier has said that the ever deepening friendship and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka have brought substantial benefits to the two nations and promoted regional peace and development.

The Prime Minister has promised China’s continued assistance for Sri Lanka’s economic development and to enhance the relations between the two countries on infrastructure construction and expand trade and investment. China will also help Sri Lanka to solve its problems at the international arena, the Premier has assured.  The Sri Lankan leader has apprised the Chinese Prime Minister on the success of the massive development programmes implemented in Sri Lanka by China.  

Highlighting the deep traditional friendship between the two countries and appreciating China’s long-term support to Sri Lanka, the President has said that Sri Lanka will enhance cooperation with China in all fields and promote bilateral comprehensive partnership of cooperation.  President Mahinda Rajapaksa is in China on a four-day official visit at the invitation of the Chinese government.

He is expected to participate in the opening ceremony of the World University Games, known as XXVI Summer Universiade and held in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China from 12-23 August as an honoured guest.