The joint press communique said the two sides emphasized that China and Sri Lanka shared extensive common interests in regional and international affairs, and agreed to consult one another and enhance coordination in this regard.

The Sri Lankan side welcomed China's status as an observer of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and would continue to promote cooperation between China and SAARC, said the communique.

The Chinese side appreciated Sri Lanka's stand and reiterated its readiness to conduct exchanges and cooperation with SAARC on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

The Chinese side expressed support for Sri Lanka's participation in regional and sub-regional cooperation, according to the communique.

The two sides agreed to continue coordinate their positions on the reform of the United Nations and the Security Council. Both sides maintained that Asian countries should deepen mutual understanding, strengthen solidarity and enhance cooperation in order to ensure that the next Secretary-General of the United Nations will be from Asia.

The communique said the Sri Lankan side reiterated that there is but one China, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.

Sri Lanka reiterated that it opposes "Taiwan independence" in whatever form, and will not have any official contacts with Taiwan. Sri Lanka stressed for all efforts made by the Chinese Government to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and China's early reunification, said the communique.

The Chinese side highly appreciated this position of Sri Lanka.

Samaraweera briefed the Chinese side on the peace process of Sri Lanka. The Chinese side reaffirmed that it would continue to support Sri Lanka in its efforts to defeat terrorism and to safeguard the sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity of the country.

The two sides reaffirmed their opposition to the three evil forces of Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism and discussed measures to increase their consultation and coordination in regional and international anti-terrorism activities.

The communique said Samaraweera thanked the Chinese side for the warm hospitality accorded him during his visit and extended an invitation to Li to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time. Li accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Source: Xinhua