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Chinese Premier's visit to Sri Lanka to Expand Good Relationship: PM
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake said on Tuesday that Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's upcoming visit to his country will further expand good relations between the two countries.
He said that China and Sri Lanka had a long-standing relationship which dated back to the fifth century. Since his country established diplomatic relations with China in 1957 both countries have had very close relationship, he added.
"Whenever we are in crisis, China always come to our assistance. So we consider China a very strong friend of ours." he told Xinhua.
He said Zhu's visit will definitely expand the bond of friendship between the two countries and Sri Lanka will give a warm welcome to him.
He said that his country has always supported "One China" policy and hopes that differences will be solved through negotiations and dialogue.
Sri Lanka also extends its support for China on issues including Tibet, human rights and entry of World Trade Organization, he noted.
As far as the bilateral trade relations is concerned, the Prime Minister said that he hopes China and his country will sign a free trade agreement and import more goods from his country to narrow the trade gap between the two sides.
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji will arrive here on Thursday for a three-day visit. His current South Asia tour has taken him to Pakistan and Nepal. He will also visit the Maldives and Thailand.
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