On the morning of September 7, 2011, Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met respectively with Sri Lankan Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne and Samoan Vice Prime Minister Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo in southeast China's coastal city of Xiamen. The two foreign leaders came to the city to attend the 15th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT).

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, meets in Xiamen,Fujian with Sri Lankan Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, who is here for the 15th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT)

During his meeting with Jayaratne, Wu first extended welcome for Jayaratne to attend the CIFIT. He said China and Sri Lanka share profound traditional friendship. Bilateral relations have been developing well since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than half a century ago. Wu expressed appreciation of Sri Lanka's support for China regarding issues related to Taiwan and Tibet. China will continue to support Sri Lanka's efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as respect Sri Lanka's choice of development path according to its national realities and its domestic and foreign policies, Wu said. To develop China-Sri Lanka comprehensive cooperative partnership is an important part of China's diplomacy with neighboring countries. China is ready to work with Sri Lanka to enhance friendly exchanges between the governments, parliaments and political parties, deepen pragmatic cooperation and advance cooperation on infrastructure, energy resources development and tourism. China will encourage Chinese companies, especially large enterprises, to take part in Sri Lanka's economic development, expand trade and investment and enhance quality and level of cooperation in order to achieve mutual benefit and common development.

Jayaratne said that Sri Lanka-China friendly relations have withstood the test of time and international vicissitudes, and the fruitful cooperation between the two sides in all fields as well as China's long-standing selfless help have greatly promoted Sri Lanka's economic and social development. Sri Lanka cherishes its traditional friendship with China and is willing to make joint efforts with China to deepen bilateral relations for the benefit of the two countries and their peoples.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, meets in Xiamen, Fujian with Samoan Vice Prime Minister Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, who is here for the 15th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT)

During his meeting with Fonotoe, Wu appreciated Fonotoe for actively participating in the CIFIT. Noting that Samoa was one of the first Pacific island countries to establish diplomatic ties with China, Wu said bilateral relations have been developing smoothly in recent years with frequent high-level exchange of visits, deepening political trust and expanding exchanges and cooperation on economy, trade, tourism and humanities. Both sides have also maintained sound coordination and cooperation on climate change and other global issues. Wu emphasized that all countries, big or small, rich or poor, strong or weak, are equal members of the international community. China is willing to further strengthen the friendly relations with Samoa, implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries at the "China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development Cooperation Forum", enhance pragmatic cooperation and push bilateral ties for new and greater development.

Fonotoe spoke highly of the friendly cooperation with China in all areas, saying the Samoan government has always attached importance to and been committed to strengthening relations with China. China's rapid economic growth provides a bigger stage for both sides to expand cooperation. Fonotoe said that he came to China with the aim of attracting more investment and deepening bilateral cooperation in economy, trade and humanities.

Vice Chairman and Secretary General Li Jianguo of China's NPC Standing Committee was present at the meetings.