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According to a joint communiqué the two sides during the meetings exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two sides reaffirmed that China – Sri Lanka relations have enjoyed healthy and smooth growth on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence since the establishment of diplomatic relations 49 years ago. They reviewed with satisfaction the progress made in bilateral exchanges and cooperation in political affairs, economy and trade, culture, tourism and other areas as well as their good cooperation in regional and international affairs. Sri Lanka allocated an exploration block in the Mannar Basin to China for exploration of petroleum resources. China welcomed a visit by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2007 to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Both sides agreed to hold a number of commemorative activities to promote mutual understanding between the two peoples and strengthen their traditional friendship. It was agreed to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation including cooperation in trade and investment and to enhance the exchanges in technical development and training, energy exploration, tourism, education, cultural and religious affairs, youth exchanges and in the academic field. Consultations were also held to work out mutually acceptable facilities for financing of such projects on favorable terms and expediting their implementation. The priority projects are the coal power project in Puttalam, the airport city of Colombo highway and the Harbour and Oil Storage bunkering port of Hambantota. Sri Lanka reiterated its support of the One China policy while China reaffirmed that it would continue to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to defeat terrorism and safeguard the sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity of the country.
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Sri
Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera during his recent official
visit to China, July 12-16, called on Premier Wen Jaibao of the State
Council of China. He also held in depth talks with Foreign Minister Li
Zhaoxing.
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