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Wednesday, August 13, 2008 - 6.25 GMT |
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Sri Lanka – China relations a role model –
President Hu Jintao |
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Describing Sri Lanka – China relations as a
role model for two countries of different
sizes and political ideologies, Chinese
President Hu Jintao agreed to further
support the upliftment of the socio-economic
standards of the people of Sri Lanka well as
extending assistance for new development
projects. He also acknowledged the growing
mutual political trust and close support
extended by both countries in international
and regional affairs. said a press release
issued by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing.
These assurances were given by President Hu
when he met President Mahinda Rajapaksa who
arrived in Beijing to attend the Opening
Ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games 2008
and held bilateral talks.
President conveyed his sympathies on the
recent earthquake that hit Western China and
recalled the outpouring of the Chinese
generosity during the aftermath of the
Tsunami disaster in December 2004. In
reviewing bilateral relations, President
Rajapaksa reiterated the close political,
economic and cultural relations with China
and Sri Lanka’s upholding of the “One China
policy” and thanked Chinese leaders for the
support and assistance extended at all times
for economic development.
President Hu, on behalf of the Chinese
Government and the people of China warmly
welcomed the Sri Lanka President for the
ceremonial opening of the Games. He extended
his warm appreciation to the people of Sri
Lanka for the solidarity extended towards
the Chinese people during the time of the
Sichuan earthquake and for the humanitarian
assistance rendered. President Hu also
pledged China’s steadfast commitment and
support for Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and
territorial integrity.
He observed that bilateral trade relations
between the two countries were improving and
agreed to consider favourably President
Rajapaksa’s request for further reduction of
tariffs for Sri Lanka exports under the Asia
Pacific Trade Agreement negotiations (APTA).
In his capacity as Chair of the SAARC,
President Rajapaksa briefed President Hu on
the outcome of the recently concluded SAARC
Summit, particularly in the context of a
joint approach in combating terrorism,
maximizing energy and water resources, food
security, poverty alleviation in addition to
several other key issues concerning the
region. President Hu congratulated the Sri
Lanka President on the successful conclusion
of the 15th SAARC Summit and appreciated the
role played by SAARC in sustaining
development in the region. He expressed the
desire by China to strengthen the dialogue
with SAARC countries based on a co-operative
partnership and a win – win situation.
President Rajapaksa renewed the invitation
extended to President Hu to visit Sri Lanka
particularly in the context of observing
personally the key development projects
undertaken with Chinese funding. Chinese
president acknowledged the need for a visit
at a mutually convenient time.
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