China is speeding up its rescue and relief work at the site of the deadly mudslide in Zhouqu County in northwest China's Gansu Province, Vice Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday.

"China will strive to improve its disaster prevention capabilities and ensure the safety of people's lives and property," Li said while meeting with visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris.

In their meeting in downtown Beijing, Li briefed Peiris about China's rescue efforts in Zhouqu County.

Peiris extended his condolences to family members of the victims of the mudslide and to China over the loss of life.

Hailing the progress of bilateral ties, Li said China values its traditional friendship with Sri Lanka, vowing joint efforts with Sri Lanka's new cabinet to consolidate friendship and deepen cooperation.

Peiris told Li his government highly treasures its friendly cooperation with China, adding that Sri Lanka hopes to make joint efforts to push forward the stable and healthy development of bilateral ties.

The Sri Lankan foreign minister is visiting China from Aug.8-15 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi.

At least 702 people were killed in Sunday's devastating mudslide in Zhouqu County, while some 1,042 others are still missing.