Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo said on Monday that China will
boost cooperation with Sri Lanka.
Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's
Congress, made the remarks while meeting with Sri Lankan Parliament
Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara in Beijing.
He hailed Sino-Sri Lankan relations, saying it had witnessed
sound development in the past five decades.
China and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations in
1957.
The two sides had exchanged high-level visits, strengthened
political mutual-trust, expanded trade and economic cooperation and
coordinated on international and regional issues, Wu noted.
China and Sri Lanka announced the development of an all-round
cooperative partnership last year.
The National People's Congress, China's top legislative body,
will constantly play a positive role in promoting Sino-Sri Lankan
ties, enhance exchanges and cooperation on legislation and
supervision, deepen understanding and friendship between the two
peoples, he acknowledged.
Lokubandara said China is "always a real friend" of Sri Lanka.
He appreciated the support from the Chinese government and people,
noting Sri Lanka will consolidate and further the existing friendly
cooperation with China, including cooperation between the two
parliaments.
He said that Sri Lanka will constantly pursue the one-China
policy.
(Xinhua News Agency June 27, 2006)
