China supports Sri Lanka's fight against terrorism
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama in China to attend the annual
meeting of the BOAO Forum, met with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi
and had wide ranging discussions on issues of bilateral and
international importance.
The Chinese Foreign Minister briefed Minister Bogollagama on the
situation in Tibet and appreciated Sri Lanka's support in this regard
which he stated was consistent with Sri Lanka's One-China Policy.
Minister Jiechi welcomed the invitation to attend the forthcoming
SAARC Summit as an observer. Minister Bogollagama stated that he looked
forward to the presence of Minister Yang Jiechi at the SAARC Conference.
Minister Bogollagama explained the current situation in Sri Lanka and
the continuing violence of the LTTE as demonstrated by its assassination
of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle. However, he stated that the
Government was proceeding as planned with development efforts in the
East and by providing an opportunity for the people of this region to
participate at the forthcoming elections to the Eastern Provincial
Council.
This he said, would have not been possible if this region had not
been cleared of LTTE terrorist activity.
Minister Bogollagama explained in detail the Government's plans in
pushing ahead with efforts to bring freedom and prosperity to the other
areas presently affected by LTTE terrorism in the North.
The Chinese Foreign Minister observed that Sri Lanka has made
considerable progress in the elimination of terrorism and expressed
China's support for the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister expressed confidence on the ability of
the Chinese Government to stage the forthcoming Olympics in Beijing.
Minister Bogollagama thanked the Government of China for its support
to finance the Puttalam Coal Power Project and Hambantota Harbour
Project, work on which have already commenced.
He expressed confidence that work on the National Performing Arts
Theatre would commence in the near future. The Sri Lanka Foreign
Minister acknowledged the assistance of China in combating terrorism.
The two Ministers also discussed other bilateral issues of importance. |