China warmly welcomes President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is on a four day official visit to China, arrived at the Beijing international airport yesterday morning to a warm welcome.

The President and the Sri Lankan delegation were received by Executive Vice Foreign Minister of China Zhang Zhijun, Deputy Director General of the Asian Affairs Department - Chinese Foreign Ministry, Sun Wei Dong and other Chinese officials.

The President is visiting China on an invitation extended by Chinese President Hu Jintao. He made the invitation during bi-lateral talks held between the duo on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum in Russia, last June. President Rajapaksa is scheduled to hold discussions with Chinese President Hu Jintao as well as the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao during the visit.

He will also attend the opening ceremony of the 2011 Universiade held in the city of Shenzhen.