State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan arrived in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, Tuesday evening for an official visit to the Indian Ocean island country.

 

Tang was welcomed by Sri Lanka Railway and Transport Minister A.H. M. Fowzi at Bandaranaike International Airport.

 

During his visit, Tang will hold talks with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse, said Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry.

 

He will also have a meeting with Karu Jayasuriya, vice chairman of Sri Lanka's major opposition United National Party.

 

The two governments are expected to sign four agreements on economic cooperation during Tang's visit, said the ministry.

 

Tang is scheduled to conclude his visit on Thursday and leave for Nepal to continue his South Asian trip.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 15, 2006)