President on State Visit to China
President Mahinda Rajapaksa left for China yesterday night (May 26)
on a four day state visit on the invitation of President of China Xi
Jinping, states a release from the President’s Spokesman, and
International Media Unit.
President Rajapaksa is among the first few foreign leaders to visit
China since the new leadership assumed office in March. During his stay
in China, President Rajapaksa is expected to hold bilateral discussions
with his counterpart as well as Prime Minister Li Keqiang,
Vice President Li Yuanchao, Minister of Defense Chang Wanquan and
Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng.
The talks will center on further enhancing cooperation between the
two countries in areas of trade, investment, tourism, culture, science
and technology, defense, and regional and international affairs.
The President is also scheduled to attend the inaugural ceremonies of
the Global Service Forum – Beijing Summit and the 2013 International
Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP). Since the establishment
of full diplomatic ties in1957, Sri Lanka has continuously maintained
close and friendly relations with China.
The two countries have regularly exchanged high-level visits
resulting in a variety of agreements.
China has emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s key development partners in
the post-conflict period. Sri Lanka was among the first countries to
recognize the People’s Republic of China. China has consistently
supported Sri Lanka in combating terrorism and at many international
fora, including the U.N. Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The Sinhala and
Tamil translations of this message will be faxed shortly. |