On July 3, 2009, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with his visiting Sri Lankan counterpart Rohitha Bogollagama, exchanging views on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern.

During the talks, Yang said China and Sri Lanka are traditionally friendly neighbors. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties over half a century ago, the two countries have remained friends of mutual trust that shared weal and woe in the political area. In the economic sector, both sides are partners of mutual benefit and friendly cooperation. The Chinese government cherishes its traditional friendship and cooperative relations with Sri Lanka. "China stands ready to work with Sri Lanka to consolidate the traditional bilateral friendship and expand mutually beneficial cooperation so as to inject new vitality into the comprehensive cooperative partnership," Yang said.

Bogollagama spoke highly of the bilateral relations, and applauded China's support for Sri Lanka's efforts to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two countries have always respected each other with friendly exchanges and close cooperation in all areas, he said. The Sri Lankan government attaches great importance to the friendship with China, and will continue to adhere to the one-China policy in a bid to push forward bilateral friendly cooperative relations.