Chinese, Sri Lankan leaders exchange congratulations on 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties
7/2/2007 17:22
Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda
Rajapaksa today exchanged congratulations on the "Year of China-Sri Lanka
Friendship" which also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The Chinese and Sri Lankan peoples
have a long history of friendly exchanges, and in the past 50 years, the two
countries have witnessed a healthy and smooth growth of the bilateral ties which
have stood the test of time and changes in the international environment, said
Hu.
Describing the bilateral ties as an example of friendly coexistence
between countries with different social systems, the Chinese president said the
Chinese government cherishes its traditional friendship with Sri Lanka and is
committed to promoting the friendly ties.
In Rajapaksa's message to Hu, the
Sri Lankan president said the bilateral relations over the last half-century
have remained firm, deep and consistent and the progress on economic cooperation
at all levels, increased religious and cultural interaction as well as close
communication and consultation at the international and regional level were all
evidence of this.
The president believed the activities for the "Year of
China-Sri Lanka Friendship" will certainly boost the two countries' exchanges
and cooperation in many new fields and promote all-round cooperation and a
partnership of sincere mutual support and everlasting friendship.
Chinese
Premier Wen Jiabao and his Sri Lankan counterpart Ratnasiri Wickremanayake also
exchanged messages of congratulations on the same day.
Xinhua
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