10.9.2008

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi today (Sept 10) ensured continued support of the Chinese government for Sri Lanka's sovereignty, territorial integrity and President Mahinda Rajapaksa's efforts to bring about a solution to the ethnic conflict and achieve ethnic solidarity in the country.

He expressed China's confidence that under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa Sri Lanka will play an important role in promoting and ensuring peace and stability in the region. He made these sentiment when he called on the President at the President's House today.

President Rajapaksa thanked China for generous assistance and cooperation with Sri Lanka especially in projects such as the Hambantota Port, Norochcholai Power Plant and the Performing Art Centre. The Chinese assistance would help Sri Lanka to overcome an unexpected crisis in the power sector, he added.

Also, he observed that most projects initiated with China are already underway and Sri Lanka would encourage more investment from Chinese Companies and already decided to earmark a separate area for Chinese investment.

President reminded how every government had attempted to negotiate with LTTE and how the terror outfit had resorted to violence targeting civilians at each occasion. Hence, he pointed out the necessity of eradicating terrorism.

He said that the East has now being liberated and Sri Lankan security forces are successfully moving forward to achieve this end in the North and restore democracy to the people of the North.

The Chinese Foreign Minister who stressed the importance of continuing the strong and good relations between China and Sri Lanka was appreciative Sri Lanka's unshaken support for 'One China Policy' and thanked the President for continued support on the issues of Taiwan and Tibet that are matters of China's core national interests.

Foreign Minister said China would continue with efforts to accept more Sri Lankan students for higher education, support Sri Lanka in international forums and that the Chinese people look forward to greater strength in China- Sri Lanka relations in the years to come.

Following the meeting Sri Lankan and Chinese Foreign Ministers signed an agreement whereby China gave a grant of 50 million RMB to Sri Lanka for economic and technical cooperation in the coming year.

The Chinese delegation included Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dabo Ye and other senior officials.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Palitha Kohona and Secretary of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Chief of Protocol, Foreign Ministry W. Hettiarachchi also attended the meeting.