Senior official meets Sri Lanka president to promote co-op

Liu Yunshan (R, front), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, shakes hands with Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also head of the Freedom Party, in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, Sept. 10, 2013. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Liu Yunshan on Tuesday met with Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo to promote bilateral cooperation.

Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, lauded the smooth development of the bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957.

The upgrade of bilateral ties to a strategic cooperative partnership, a decision made by the two sides during the Sri Lanka leader's China visit this May, has marked the future direction of the development of the China-Sri Lanka relationship, he said.

He thanked Sri Lanka for its long-term support on issues involving China's core interests, adding that China is happy to see national reconciliation, economic development and the improvement of people's livelihood in Sri Lanka in recent years.

China is willing to join Sri Lanka in maintaining high-level visits, deepening trade and economic cooperation, and promoting exchanges in education, technology, culture and media so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples, said the CPC official.

Speaking of the inter-party relations, Liu said the CPC would like to work with the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party to expand their exchanges, and inject fresh vitality into bilateral cooperation.

For his part, Rajapaksa, also head of the Freedom Party, said his country spoke highly of the traditional friendship between the two countries and China's long-term assistance and support.

Sri Lanka looks forward to closer inter-party interactions, media exchanges and practical cooperation in economy, tourism and other sectors with the Chinese side, said the president.