On May 18, Premier Zhu Rongji and Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga held talks in the presidential secretariat. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Sri Lanka relations in a friendly atmosphere.

Kumaratunga welcomed Zhu on behalf of the Sri Lankan government and people. She said that Zhu's visit at the beginning of the new century, the first by a Chinese premier within 10 years, is a blissful event of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka and China share special friendship. Zhu's visit will definitely further promote the development of extraordinarily friendly relations between the two countries.

Zhu first conveyed President Jiang Zemin's cordial greetings to Kumaratunga. He said that this is his first visit to Sri Lanka. As soon as they set foot on the Sri Lankan land, the Chinese delegation have received warm welcome by the Sri Lankan side. He expressed thanks for the invitation and welcome given by the Sri Lankan side.

Zhu spoke highly of relations between the two countries. He said that the traditional friendly relations between China and Sri Lanka date back long time ago. Sri Lanka was among the first countries to recognize China after her foundation. In early 1950s Sri Lanka provided China with economic assistance in defiance of economic blockade imposed on China at the time by western countries, which played an important role in China's economic development. China appreciates very much Sri Lankan government's full understanding of and support for China's stance on issues including those of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights which are crucial to China's sovereignty and national interest.

Zhu noted that the relations between China and Sri Lanka, which were fostered by older generations of leaders of the two countries, have been developing steadily. The Chinese government cherishes the friendly and cooperative relations with Sri Lanka. China will never change the policy of strengthening and developing friendly, mutually beneficial and cooperative relations with Sri Lanka under any circumstances in the world arena. The Chinese people will always remain friends of Sri Lanka.

Kumaratunga briefed the Chinese Premier on the political and economic situation in her country. Zhu said we are happy to see that under the leadership of the President, Sri Lanka has scored positive results in maintaining political stability, enhancing economic development and promoting national unity and safeguarding national unity.

Zhu said that bilateral cooperation in the various fields including economy, trade and culture has seen a smooth development since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Chinese government has always attached great importance to the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and hopes that the economic and trade relations between the two countries will be further strengthened and expanded.

Kumaratunga said that her government and people follow closely with great interest the economic and social development in China. She also expressed her admiration for the tremendous achievements China has achieved in various domains. The Sri Lankan government and people appreciate very much the valuable assistance China has rendered to her country. She also asked Zhu to convey her cordial greetings to President Jiang and good wishes to the Chinese people.

On the same day, Zhu also met with Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Anura Bandaranaike.