Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met wit his Sri Lankan
counterpart Mangala Samaraweera in Beijing on Thursday. The two
diplomats hailed bilateral ties and vowed to further
cooperation.
"China appreciates the constant support from Sri Lanka on such
issues as Taiwan, Tibet and human rights," Li told Samaraweera.
He noted that Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Sri Lanka in 2005
and the establishment of an all-round cooperative partnership
between the two countries shows that bilateral ties have entered a
new stage of development.
China and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations in 1957.
The two countries will host a national theme year for each other to
mark the 50th anniversary next year.
"I hope the two sides will make joint efforts to expand
cooperation through celebration activities and push bilateral ties
to a new high," Li said.
Samaraweera agreed with Li's remarks about bilateral ties,
saying he appreciated China's assistance to Sri Lanka's economic
and social development.
He said the Sri Lanka government will unswervingly adhere to the
one-China policy.
Samaraweera started his visit to China on Wednesday as Li's
guest.
(Xinhua News Agency July 13, 2006)
