China will stand by Sri Lanka against terrorism
China: President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China assured
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
yesterday.
President Rajapaksa is in China to attend the Annual Conference of
the Boao 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, diplomatic sources said.
On 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.
President 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.
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 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.
Chinese President reiterated China's agreement to assist in the
establishment of the proposed International Buddhist Zone, in
Piliyandala.
President Rajapaksa renewed the invitation to the Chinese President
to visit Sri Lanka.
President 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 people for the traditional Sinhala and Tamil
New Year.
China has already pledged more than 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.
Chinese President condoles Jeyaraj assassination
CHINA: President Hu Jintao expressed his condolences to President
Mahinda Rajapaksa on the assassination of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle,
when the two Presidents met at the Yalong Bay Resort in China yesterday.
The Chinese President said he recognised the loss created in the Sri
Lankan Cabinet by the assassination of the Minister by the LTTE, and
also noted with sympathy that President Rajapaksa was meeting him at the
time Minister Fernandopulle's funeral was taking place in Colombo. |