China hopes to further strengthen exchange and cooperation with Sri Lanka, said He Luli, vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

He made the remark in Beijing Monday when meeting with a delegation of Sri Lanka Parliamentarians headed by John Senaviratne, Sri Lanka's Minister of Justice and Judicial Reforms.

She expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka's firm support to China onTaiwan, Tibet and human rights issues.

Senaviratne spoke highly of China's achievements on socio-economic construction and vowed that Sri Lanka would continue to support China on Taiwan, Tibet and human rights issues and support China's reunification cause.

Senaviratne said Sri Lanka and China should enhance mutual political trust and promote economic cooperation and cultural exchanges and communication.

On another occasion, she also met Jean-Jack Queyranne, president of French Regional Council of Rhone-Alpes, and Jean Besson, the council's vice-president and chairman of the France-China Friendship Group of the French Senate.

(Xinhua News Agency November 9, 2004)