President Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China assured Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa that China will stand by Sri Lanka in its efforts to counter terrorism. This assurance was given when the two Presidents met at Yalong Bay Resort in the Hainan Province of China today.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is in China to attend the Annual Conference of the Boa Forum for Asia. This was the second meeting between the two leaders in 14 months, and is indicative of the strengthened links between the two countries, and the rapid emergence of China as one of the key development partners of Sri Lanka.

On matters of economic assistance to Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa thanked China for the considerable assistance given, highlighting the Chinese assistance to the Norochcholai Coal Power Project, the Hambantota Port and the Performing Arts Theatre in Colombo.

One China

President Hu Jintao was appreciative of Sri Lanka’s continued stand in support of the One China Policy, and stated that this position has stood well as a test of the good relations between the two countries.

In discussions on developments in Tibet, the Chinese President
explained the unfortunate incidents that have taken place there, and thanked the President and government of Sri Lanka for viewing the matter in the proper context.

Olympics

President Rajapaksa wished every success to the Olympics Games that are to be held in China later this year, and stated that Sri Lanka was proud that China will be hosting this important international sports event.

President Hu Jintao while appreciating the good wishes expressed by the Sri Lankan President for the Beijing Olympics stated that China will be sending a high level delegation as observers to the SAARC Summit to be held in Sri Lanka later this year.

On the development of investment opportunities, the Sri Lankan President invited Chinese investors to take advantage of the good potential that prevails in Sri Lanka as a destination for investment in the region.

In discussing cultural links between the two countries, the Chinese President reiterated China’s agreement to assist in the establishment of the proposed International Buddhist Zone, at Piliyandala.

President Rajapaksa renewed the invitation to the Chinese President to visit Sri Lanka, to which President Hu Jintao said he looked forward to a visit at a mutually convenient time.

The President of China expressed his good wishes to the Sri Lankan President and the Sri Lankan people for the forthcoming traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

China has already pledged more that US $ 1 billion in assistance to Sri Lanka in 2007.

The Boao Forum for Asia, which President Rajapaksa is due to address, (BFA) was inaugurated in February 2001. The Annual Conference of Boao is a platform for political leaders, academics and business leaders from Asia and other countries concerned with the development of Asia to communicate and seek cooperation and common development of all Asian countries.