On the afternoon of August 12, 2003, President Hu Jintao met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu said that China and Sri Lanka are friendly close neighbors. During the past more than 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, under the personal care and careful nurture of several generations of leaders of the two countries, China-Sri Lanka relations have withstood the test of international vicissitudes and been carried on from generation to generation. Both have supported each other in nation building, and closely coordinated and cooperated with each other in international affairs. We appreciate the Sri Lankan government’s staunch support to China on such questions as Taiwan. The Chinese government and people cherish the traditional friendly relations and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, and would like to work with the Sri Lankan side to write a new chapter of bilateral friendship in the new century.

On the situation in Sri Lanka and South Asia, Hu said that since last year, the peace process in Sri Lanka has scored constant progress, which we welcome. China appreciates and supports the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to promote the peace process in Sri Lanka, and hope the process will continue. Hu also said that China hopes for peace and stability in South Asia, supports all efforts to ease tensions and maintain peace, and sincerely hopes that countries in South Asia live in peace and harmony, treat each other equally, and seek common development. As a close neighbor of South Asia, China would like to work with all South Asian countries including Sri Lanka for peace, stability and development in South Asia.

Wickremasinghe said that it is the policy of past and present governments of Sri Lanka to develop friendly relations and cooperation with China. When New China was just founded, Sri Lanka recognized the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the entirety of China, and that position will never change. He said that during the visit, the two sides have found new ways and means to strengthen bilateral relations. Sri Lanka is deepening economic reform, and it is very important for Sri Lanka’s economic and social development to develop all-round cooperation with China. We hope to constantly deepen bilateral all-round friendly cooperation in economic and trade fields.

Wickremasinghe briefed Hu on the domestic peace process in Sri Lanka. He said that in past years, China has supported Sri Lanka in maintaining state sovereignty and territorial integrity, provided precious political support and economic assistance to Sri Lanka, and help Sri Lanka to tide over the most difficult times. The Sri Lankan people will never forget this.

Wickremasinghe said that the Sri Lankan side looks forward to strengthening consultation and cooperation with China in international and regional affairs.