Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meets with Sri Lankan
President Chandrika Kumaratunga in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, April 8, 2005.
Wen started an official visit to Sri Lanka April 8. (Xinhua photo)
Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao proposed here Friday to build up
all-round and cooperative partnership characterized as sincerity, mutual help
and long-term friendliness between China and Sri Lanka.
Wen made the proposal during talks with Sri Lanka President Chandrika
Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, who agreed with Wen's point of view.
The Chinese premier put forward a four-point proposal to strengthen the
partnership between the two countries.
They include promoting traditional friendship and expanding exchanges between
governments, parliaments and parties; exploring new areas for economic and trade
cooperation; expanding cooperation in such fields as agriculture, fishery and
tourism; and enhancing coordination in international and regional issues.
Wen expressed appreciation for the adherence of Sri Lanka on the Taiwan
issue, saying China supports the efforts of Sri Lanka on safeguarding its
national unity and national dignity, welcomes Sri Lanka to play a more active
role in the regional and international issues.
Wen also mentioned the tsunami happened at the end of last year,which caused
huge casualties and property losses in Sri Lanka. "I am here to express my
sympathy and relief to Sri Lanka government and people," Wen said.
He said the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs and Red Across Association will
offer another 8.7 million US dollars donation to Sri Lanka.
Wen stressed China is a developing country and its aid is limited, but the
Chinese people is sincere and the help is from the bottom of their heart.
For her part, Kumaratunga recalled the contact between Sri Lanka and China in
ancient time, voicing her belief that Wen's visit will further promote friendly
cooperation between the two countries.
She reaffirmed Sri Lanka's adherence to the "one-China policy",and supports
Anti-Secession Law.
She also expressed gratitude for the assistance that China has offered after
the tsunami.
The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in South Asia.
Wen said China, as a neighbor of South Asia, hopes the countries in the
region would respect each other and exist peacefully.
China would like to establish long-term and good-neighborly relations with
all South Asian nations, and will work with Sri Lanka and other nations to play
a constructive role in maintainingpeace and development of the region.
China and Sri Lanka signed six documents after the talks. Wen and Kumaratunga
were present at the signing ceremony.