A grand reception was held in Beijing on Wednesday to celebrate
the 50th anniversary of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations.
Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese
People's Political Consultative Conference, and visiting Sri Lankan
President Mahinda Rajapakse attended the occasion.
Regarding the two countries as good friends with a profound
history of exchanges, Jia said the two governments and peoples
always respect and help each other.
"Our friendship is nurtured by leaders of generations and
cultivated by personages from different circles of the two
countries," Jia said, calling for the two sides to cherish the
friendship.
Rajapakse said that bilateral friendship remains steadfast
despite changes and conflicts in the world.
"The Chinese people, as our sincere friend and relatives, always
stand with us," he said, expressing appreciation for China's
support and help.
"We are ready to join hands with China to promote our friendly
relations up to a higher stage," the 62-year-old president
said.
China and Sri Lanka forged diplomatic ties on February 7, 1957.
The two countries decided to set 2007 as the Year of China-Sri
Lanka Friendship.
Jia said this decision represents the common aspiration of the
two governments and peoples to strengthen friendship and expand
mutually beneficial cooperation. It also brings about new
opportunities to the growth of bilateral ties, he added.
"We would like to work together with Sri Lanka to implement the
consensus reached by the two state leaders, cement all-round
cooperation and further promote bilateral comprehensive cooperative
partnership," he said.
Hundreds of representatives from various circles of the two
countries attended the reception.
(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2007)
