Sri Lanka visit to upgrade partnership
By Zhao Huanxin (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-04-09 06:26

Visiting Premier Wen Jiabao proposed on Friday to upgrade Sino-Sri Lankan relations to an all-round co-operative partnership.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao greets a Chinese worker during an inauguration ceremony for post-tsunami reconstruction in the fishing town of Panadura, 20 miles (35 km) south of Colombo, Sri Lanka April 9, 2005. Wen arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday on a two-day leg of a South Asian tour, where he will sign a clutch of bilateral agreements and visit a fishing harbour hammered by last December's tsunami. [Reuters]

In his talks with President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on Friday night, Wen also pledged that China would donate another US$8.7 million to the tsunami-afflicted country following earlier aid to the island nation.

In the spirit of "being a good neighbour and a good partner," China has always cherished the friendly relations with Sri Lanka, Wen told the president.

Visiting Premier Wen Jiabao shakes hands with Sri Lanka's President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. [Xinhua]

To promote their relationship to an all-round co-operative partnership, the two countries should continue expanding exchanges between governments, parliaments, parties as well as among young people, he said.

Apart from bolstering economic and trade links, the two sides should tap potential in areas including agriculture, fisheries and tourism, the premier proposed.

Kumaratunga echoed his words by saying the Chinese premier's proposals were "constructive and practical," which will give a great boost to bilateral rapport.

The president reiterated her country's one-China position, adding that Sri Lanka backed China's efforts in safeguarding its territory integrity, and supported the Anti-Secession Law China's National People's Congress passed in mid-March.

She said Sri Lankan people were deeply moved by the timely contributions Chinese people - including children and students - made to her country following the December 26 tsunami.

China was among the first countries to respond to Sri Lanka's call for assistance after the disaster.

Colombo has received donor pledges amounting to US$2 billion as tsunami assistance following the December 26 catastrophe, 37 per cent of which has materialized so far, according to Sri Lanka Government sources.

China has already committed US$19 million to the reconstruction of six fishery harbours, said Zhu Yuguang, an official with China Harbour Engineering Co.

"China's Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Red Cross Society will contribute another US$8.7 million to Sri Lanka," Wen said.

A developing country itself, aid from China is limited in volume, but the friendly feelings Chinese people harbour towards Sri Lanka are sincere, he said, adding he hoped the assistance will help Sri Lanka with its rebuilding efforts.

Wen also said China supported Sri Lanka's endeavours in defending national unity, dignity and territorial integrity.

Following the talks, the two sides signed six accords on bilateral economic and trade relations, agriculture and debt relief, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan.

The premier flew in from Bangladesh to continue his four-nation Asian tour, which began with Pakistan on April 5, and ends with India from Sunday to Tuesday.

Bangladesh president

In Dhaka, Wen met Bangladesh President Iazuddin Ahmed and President of the Bangladesh Awami League Sheikh Hasina on Friday. He held talks with Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Thursday.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (right) waves to the media with Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia (left) after arriving in Dhaka. [AFP]

Ahmed said a strong and prosperous China helps promote regional peace, stability and development, and will inject dynamism into the friendly co-operation between Bangladesh and China.

During Wen's visit there, China and Bangladesh signed nine co-operative documents and a communiques.

The two sides agreed to launch direct flights linking Dhaka with the southern Chinese city of Kunming and the capital Beijing.

Both declared 2005 as the "Year of China-Bangladesh Friendship" in celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. 

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