China-Sri Lanka joint communique

CHINA: 1. At the invitation of Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China, Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka paid a state visit to the People’s Republic of China from 26th February to 4th March 2007.

2. During the visit President Rajapaksa held with President Hu Jintao and met with the Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council, Xu Yongyue, Minister of State Security and leading officials from other ministries.

In Beijing, President Rajapaksa said Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference attended the reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the ‘China-Sri Lanka Friendship Year’. President Rajapaksa also visited Shanghai, Guangzhou and the three Gorges.

3. In a friendly atmosphere, the two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest and reached broad consensus.

The two sides agreed that in the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Sri Lanka relations have continued to strengthen despite changes in international environment and enjoyed healthy and smooth growth, serving as a model of good relations among small and big countries.

The development of China-Sri Lanka good neighbourly and friendly relations not only serve the common interests of the two peoples but also contributes to the peace, stability and development in the region.

Positive progress achieved

4. The two sides noted with satisfaction the positive progress achieved in all areas of cooperation including political affairs, economic and trade relations, culture, tourism and education.

The two sides would make joint efforts to push forward their all-round cooperative partnership of sincere mutual support and everlasting friendship.

5. The year 2007 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and is designated as ‘China-Sri Lanka Friendship Year’.

The two sides agreed to organise a series of activities to further increase friendly exchange, consolidate traditional friendship, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and promote the China-Sri Lanka all-round cooperative partnership to an even higher level, including high level visits in different areas of activities.

During the visit, the Sri Lankan President presented to the Chinese people a stone replica of a 3rd century Sri Lankan Samadhi Buddha statue to be placed at the Lingguang Temple. The two sides welcomed increased exchanges in respect of Buddhist activities including the World Buddhist Forum held in Hangzhou.

The relevant departments of the Chinese Government would look carefully into the proposal of the Sri Lankan side on establishing an International Buddhist Zone in Sri Lanka and would be ready to maintain communication with the Sri Lankan side on this matter.

The President also gifted a baby elephant to the Beijing Zoo and eye corneas to the Chinese Red Cross.

The Chinese side extended gratitude for these friendly gestures and considered them demonstrations of the warm friendship of the Sri Lankan Government and people to the Chinese Government and people.

One China

6. The Sri Lankan side reiterated its consistent position that there is only one China in the world, that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the one China policy, opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence’ including ‘de jure independence’ and opposes participation of Taiwan in any international and regional organisations which are composed of sovereign states.

Respecting each other’s concerns, Sri Lanka will not develop any official link with Taiwan and supports all efforts by the Chinese Government to achieve national reunification.

The Chinese side highly appreciates the above position of Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan side briefed the Chinese side on the domestic situation in Sri Lanka and action being taken in the interest of peace and harmony against terrorism.

The Chinese side reaffirmed that it would continue to support Sri Lanka in its efforts to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, national unity and the territorial integrity against terrorist forces.

They welcomed the positive steps taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to reach a peaceful resolution of ethnic issue through negotiations.

7. The two sides resolved to fight tirelessly against the three evil forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism and will step up consultation and coordinating on regional and international counter-terrorism action.

The two sides emphasised that expanded economic cooperation and trade would be conducive to the common progress and prosperity of the two countries and that bilateral economic cooperation and trade should be further strengthened by fully tapping potential and seeking new ways on the basis of the current cooperation.

To this end, the two sides agreed to consider practical steps during the next session of the Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation, including on encouraging Chinese trading companies to be more involved in the purchase of Sri Lankan items.

Financing projects

Understanding the desire and request of Sri Lanka Government for infrastructure improvement and economic development the Chinese side expressed readiness to give positive consideration to facilitating the financing of relevant projects.

The Sri Lankan side expressed deep gratitude for assistance given through technical support and financial facilities for major infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka including the Puttlam Coal Power Project on which work has commenced, and other infrastructure projects and supplies on which decisions have been already taken.

It was noted that discussions have proceeded on the Hamanbantota Development Zone which includes harbour development, a bunkering system and tank farm, and positive progress had been made between the Chinese companies concerned and the Sri Lankan authorities.

The Chinese side assured it would encourage and facilitate financial institutions to effectively examine feasibility reports and other aspects on the priority projects to enable the early commencement.

8. The Sri Lankan side thanked the Chinese side for its support to Sri Lanka’s economic and social development over the years and its generous assistance offered in the aftermath of tsunami.

The Chinese side expressed readiness to continue with its assistance for Sri Lanka’s economic and social development to the best of its ability. The Chinese side would encourage greater market access to Sri Lanka exports in China to reduce the present trade deficit of Sri Lanka.

9. The two sides agreed to further strengthen the exchange and cooperation culture, tourism, education and other areas.

They agreed to take steps for the implementation of the Agreement signed in September 2005 with the Chinese National Tourism Authority for tourism promotional activities.

Confucius Center

They welcomed the establishment of the Confucius Center at Kelaniya University in Sri Lanka and resolved to facilitate greater student exchanges for the promotion of the Chinese and Sinhalese Languages in the two countries. The Chinese side would provide 104 scholarships to Sri Lankan students for the 2007-2008 academic year.

10. The two sides expressed satisfaction at their good cooperation in regional and international affairs. The Chinese side welcomed Sri Lanka’s formal participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 2007.

The Sri Lankan side welcomed China’s associating with the South Asian Association for regional cooperation (SAARC) as an observer. The two sides expressed their willingness to further increase their consultation and coordination in regional and international affairs.

President Rajapaksa expressed his heart-felt thanks to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China for the warm hospitality accorded to him and the Sri Lankan delegation.

President Rajapaksa invited President Hu Jintao to visit Sri Lanka. President Hu Jintao thanked President Rajapaksa for the invitation and expressed his willingness to visit Sri Lanka at a time of mutual convenience.