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)