A Ceylon Government Delegation arrived in Peking on 8th September, 1956 to have preliminary discussions with the Government of the People's Republic of China with regard to the establishment of diplomatic representation on a reciprocal basis, the expansion of trade relations, the development of economic co-operation and the fostering of cultural relations between the two countries.

The Ceylon Delegation consisted of His Excellency Sir Claude Corea, K.B.E., Special Ambassador to the People's Republic of China for the purpose of this Mission (Leader), His Excellency Sir Susantha de Fonseka, K.B.E., Mr. T.B.Subasinghe, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Defence and External Affairs and Mr. R.Coomaraswamy, Senior Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Finance.

The Ceylon Delegation had discussion with a Delegation from the Government of the People's Republic of China consisting of Mr. Chang Han-fu, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs (Leader), Mr. Luei Jen-ming, Deputy Minister for Foreign Trade, Mr. Hsia Yen, Deputy Minister for Cultural Affairs, Mr. Chen Shou-liang, Deputy Director, Department of Asian Affairs and Mr. Pi So-wan, Assistant Director, Department of Asian Affairs.

At the conclusion of the discussion which were held in a spirit of cordiality and friendly co-operation, the two delegations being desirous of promoting good relations between the two countries with mutual advantage agreed:
(1) to recommend to their respective Governments the establishment of diplomatic representation at ambassadorial level on a reciprocal basis as soon as the necessary arrangements could be made.

(2) that trade relations between the two countries should be expanded for mutual benefit and that for this purpose negotiations should be commence as soon as possible between their respective Governments for the conclusion of a trade and payments agreement.

(3) that economic co-operation should be developed between the two countries on a basis of mutual assistance and that with this in view negotiations should be commenced as soon as possible for the conclusion of a technical co-operation agreement.

(4) that in order to implement the conclusion at (2) and (3) above the two delegations recommend to their respective Governments that the forthcoming visit of a trade delegation to Ceylon from the People's Republic of China at the invitation of the Government of Ceylon be utilised to commence the negotiations as proposed.

(5) that cultural relations between the two countries should be fostered in order to promote closer friendship and mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.

Peking, September 14, 1956.

Leader of the Delegation of Leader of the Ceylon
the Government of the People's Government Delegation
Republic of China

Chang Han-Fu (signed) Sir Claude Corea K. B. E. (signed)