China and Sri Lanka yesterday signed a series of deals when Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse visited Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

 

 

The eight agreements on economy, investment, movies, agriculture, and eye cornea donations were signed after President Hu Jintao sat in talks with Rajapakse.

 

In recent years, China and Sri Lanka have witnessed frequent high-level exchanges and an increase in trade cooperation, said Hu, adding that the two countries have shared mutual understanding and support in international and regional affairs.

 

"It's clear that China and Sri Lanka are close and friendly neighbors, reliable friends and cooperative partners," Hu said.

 

China thanks Sri Lanka for its adherence to the one-China policy and will support the efforts Sri Lanka has made to safeguard sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity, Hu said.

 

Hu suggested the two countries work closely to finalize the large cooperative projects and projects aided by China, and deepen cooperation in such fields as infrastructure.

 

Both as developing countries, China and Sri Lanka enjoy extensive interests in international and regional affairs and China will strengthen coordination with Sri Lanka in multilateral organizations like the UN and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

 

Rajapakse reaffirmed Sri Lanka's adherence to the one-China policy, saying his country will learn from China's experiences. He also vowed to enhance bilateral cooperation on such areas as trade, culture, infrastructure, energy development, tourism, anti-terrorism, and international affairs.

 

Total trade volume between China and Sri Lanka reached US$1.44 billion in 2006, increasing by 16.9 percent over the previous year, including US$1.1 billion of exports and US$34.8 million of imports.

 

Rajapakse arrived in Beijing on Monday, starting a seven-day state visit to China.

 

Rajapakse presented two corneas, a replica of a Buddha statue and a five-year-old male elephant to China as gifts for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.  The corneas, from Sri Lanka's renowned "Eye Bank," will be donated to a Beijing hospital.

 

During his week-long visit, Rajapakse will also visit China's business hub Shanghai, Guangzhou, capital of southern Guangdong Province, and central Hubei Province.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 28, 2007)