China to support Sri Lanka at the international level

Visiting Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa had a bilateral meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao yesterday at the Prime Minister's residence in Beijing.

During this meeting Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao stated that China is committed to strengthening the friendship with Sri Lanka and will extend its fullest support in all necessary situations to Sri Lanka at the international level.

The ever deepening friendship and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka have brought substantial benefits to the two peoples and promoted regional peace and development, Wen said.

He added that China is ready to help with Sri Lanka's economic development, promote communication between the two countries with regard to infrastructure construction, enlarge two-way trade and investment, and strengthen cultural and personnel exchanges.

Rajapakse, who hailed the deep traditional friendship with China, appreciated China's valuable long-term support.

He said Sri Lanka will enhance cooperation with China in all fields and promote bilateral comprehensive partnership of cooperation.

Prime Minister Wen Jiabao praised the government's ability to complete the first phase of the Hambantota port successfully and said his government is willing to provide financial assistance for the construction of the second phase of the port.

President and the Chinese Prime Minister also discussed about the Norochcholai power plant constructed with Chinese aid and ways and means to increase the number of flights between the capitals of the two countries.

The president, who will attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Summer Universiade on Friday, also received a warm welcome from Wen.

Wen said the president's attendance would likely further enhance the China-Sri Lanka relationship.

The 26th Summer Universiade will be held in Shenzhen City of south China's Guangdong Province. President Hu Jintao is scheduled to meet there with foreign guests who will attend the opening ceremony.

- Asian Tribune -