President, new Chinese leader to further strengthen ties
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the newly elected Chinese President
Xi Jinping agreed to further build upon the excellent bilateral
relations between the two countries and work in close cooperation in all
possible areas, during a telephone conversation on Saturday.
“President Rajapaksa congratulated President Xi Jingpin on Saturday,
after he was formally appointed to the highest office of his country.
The two leaders discussed matters of bilateral interest, agreed to
assist each other and work in close cooperation in all possible areas,
during a 15 minute telephone conversation,” Presidential Spokesman Mohan
Samaranayake said.
Meanwhile, Xinhua news agency said Xi told President Rajapaksa over
the phone that China supports his country’s efforts to protect its
national sovereignty and would continue to offer assistance.
President Rajapaksa in reply said Sri Lanka would continue to firmly
support China on issues concerning its national sovereignty and
territorial integrity, Xinhua said. Both leaders agreed that for many
years, bilateral ties have maintained a healthy and stable development
momentum, with fruitful cooperation in all sectors.
Xi thanked President Rajapaksa for his country’s long-term support on
issues regarding China’s core interests while noting that China highly
values the development of its relations with Sri Lanka, Xinhua said.
The report also noted as Xi saying that China firmly supports Sri
Lanka’s efforts to protect its independence, sovereignty and territorial
integrity, and would like to continue to provide assistance to Sri Lanka
within China’s capacity.
Meanwhile, according to Samaranayake, President Rajapaksa told the
Chinese President that his country highly appreciates China’s assistance
in all areas including development. |