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Monday, November 01, 2010 - 5.27 GMT |
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Sri Lanka –
China relations to an ever greater height |
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While explaining his future vision for Sri Lanka, President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that the time was ripe to elevate the Sri Lanka- China partnership to a higher and a more invigorated process.
This was stated when President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao held a bilateral meeting in Shanghai's Xijiao Guest House yesterday (31st) when President Rajapaksa visited China as a Guest of the Chinese government to participate at the Closing Ceremony of the Shanghai Expo 2010.
The two leaders reaffirmed their earnest desire to take Sri Lanka-China bilateral relations to a greater height, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing reported.
President Rajapaksa spoke of the many opportunities available in the tourism sector for Chinese investment. In the context of capacity building for generation of tourist traffic, President Rajapaksa stressed the need to have better air travel connectivity. The commencement of China Eastern Flights to Sri Lanka and the SriLankan Airlines flying to Shanghai from July 2010 were seen as positive approaches already taken.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the continued expansion in bilateral trade and pledged to continue to work together to enhance market access for Sri Lankan products. In discussing further avenues of deepening bilateral interaction both leaders resolved to intensify people to people contacts through culture and other exchange programmes. Premier Wen Jiabao expresed the desire to see the early completion of the Chinese cultural centre in Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Wen Jiabao pledged China's continued support to Sri Lanka for its development as it did in the past. He stated that Sri Lanka will receive China's support especially in infrastructure development such as roads, bridges and highways construction.
The two leaders discussed China-funded development programmes currently underway in Sri Lanka, especially the Port of Magampura. Special attention was drawn to China's 'peaceful development' approach. They agreed that Sri Lanka's current peaceful environment lends much opportunity to achieve its development goals speedily.
Much of Sri Lanka's development projects in the sectors of port, aviation, and power and energy receive China's support.
Premier Wen Jiabao recalled the sound and smooth progress of bilateral relations over the the 53 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He added that China supported Sri Lanka's independence and acknowledged the historic positive changes taking place in Sri Lanka, particularly the economic reconstruction process.
Premier Wen Jiabao felicitated President Rajapaksa's recent electoral success and expressed confidence in his strong leadership in leading the Sri Lankan people on the path to development and prosperity.
President Rajapaksa appreciated the Chinese leader's sentiments and for the moral and material support extended by China in Sri Lanka's fight against terrorism. He also emphasized on the consistent and absolute support of Sri Lanka in the 'One China' policy advocated by the successive leaders of Sri Lanka.
Premier Wen Jiabao underlined the complementary nature of the economies of the two countries and the many opportunities available for prospective business cooperation. In order to ensure the smooth completion of the infrastructure projects undertaken in Sri Lanka with Chinese funding, he emphasized the need to closely coordinate with the competent authorities of the two countries.
President Rajapaksa warmly welcomed President Hu Jintao's special envoy Mr. Sang Guowei to Sri Lanka in November for the inauguration of the second term of Presidency and the ceremonial opening of the Magampura Port.
President Rajapaksa thanked the Chinese Prime Minister for the invitation extended for the closing ceremony of the Shanghai Expo and congratulated China for the successful launch of Expo, noting that the excellent organization of the event had showcased the world, the ability and commitment of China to host yet another magnanimous event after Beijing Olympics. He invited Premier Wen Jiabao to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time. In graciously accepting this invitation Premier Wen Jiabao spoke of the deep impressions etched in his mind of Sri Lanka during his last visit to the Island in 2005.
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