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Tuesday, 21 March 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Chinese Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan yesterday promised his country’s unconditional support to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s armed forces. 
The Minister, who is on a one-day visit to Sri Lanka, met with President Maithripala Sirisena and State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene yesterday and assured them of the Chinese Government’s continued support to strengthen the military.
According to a statement released by the President’s Media Division, the two countries reached several agreements but no further details were revealed. Chang met with State Minister Wijewardene and ministry officials following his talks with the President. He assuring them of China’s continued support of Sri Lanka’s military. The Sri Lankan Government has relied heavily on China’s assistance for military equipment through loans even during the period of the country’s conflict.
According to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry, the visiting Minister has promised to provide the Sri Lankan Government with training assistance, technical knowledge and military equipment in the future as well.
Wanquan is scheduled to fly out to Nepal tomorrow.
President Maithripala Sirisena will undertake an official visit to Russia from 22-24 March on the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.
The visit will be the first official visit to Russia by a Sri Lankan leader since 1974, when Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike visited Moscow. The visit takes place as both countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them.
During the visit President Sirisena is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with President Putin on 23 March. The official discussions are expected to review progress made in the longstanding bilateral relationship, including the way forward to further promote trade and investment between the two countries.
Several bilateral agreements in the areas of fisheries, tourism and cultural and education cooperation, including cooperation in the science and technology sector, are scheduled to be signed.
In order to actively promote trade and business links between the two countries, a Sri Lanka-Russia business forum will be held in Moscow, where Sri Lanka will be represented by a delegation from the Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera and five other Cabinet ministers are scheduled to accompany President Sirisena to Russia.
