1. At the invitation of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing of the People's Republic of China, Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka paid an official visit to the People's Republic of China from 27 to 29 December 2004.

Foreign Minister Kadirgamar called on the Chinese Vthe the ice-President Zeng Qinghong and State Councilor Chen Zhili.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held in-depth talks with Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar.

Foreign Minister Kadirgamar also met with Chinese Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai and Chairman He Guangwei of China National Tourism Administration.

2. During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common interest.

The two sides agreed that their traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, had advanced steadily over the past 47 years since China and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations. The two countries resolved to further strengthen their traditional friendship and develop new initiatives so as to inject fresh vigour and vitality to the bilateral relations.

The Chinese side looked forward to the official visit by Her Excellency Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, President of Sri Lanka to China next year.

The two sides agreed to keep the momentum of their high-level visits and to enhance the multi-tiered exchanges between their Parliaments, political parties, non-governmental organizations, the corporate sector and their youth.

Emphasizing the great significance of enhanced economic cooperation including investment, joint ventures and trade in the comprehensive development of their bilateral ties, the two sides expressed their readiness to explore and develop new channels to deepen cooperation in such fields as agriculture, energy development, tourism, science & technology, education, academic exchanges and cultural affairs. In this context, the two sides also agreed to consider modalities for the establishment of a Sri Lankan consulate in Shanghai. They also discussed events to mark the grand opening of the new Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in March 2005.

The two sides agreed to expand their coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs, and work closely in the United Nations, the Asia Cooperation Dialogue, the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation and other organisations.

The two sides exchanged views on the situation in South Asia and in East Asia and expressed their shared commitment to peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the regions. They welcomed the signing of an agreement of cooperation between China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in Kunming.

Foreign Minister Kadirgamar addressed the CIIS on the Peaceful Ascendency of China--- a South Asian Perspective. The Minister had discussion with the Institute as well as with the China People's Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) on promoting closer academic exchanges on issues of regional and global concern. Consideration was given to the establishment of a China-Sri Lanka Foundation.

3. The Sri Lankan side reiterated its position that there is but one China in the world, 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 remains committed to its one China policy, opposes any form of Taiwan independence, supports all efforts by the Chinese Government to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports China's legislative measures to oppose pro-Taiwan independence forces seceding from China, and hopes to see an early reunification of China.

The Chinese side reiterated its firm commitment to the sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and affirmed support for Sri Lanka's endeavours to develop its national economy.

The two sides reaffirmed their opposition to the three evils of terrorism, separatism and extremism.

4. The Chinese Government and people extended their deep condolences and sympathy to Sri Lanka on the loss of lives, suffering and economic devastation caused by the tidal waves. To demonstrate Chinese people's friendship and solidarity with the Sri Lankan people, the Chinese Government decided to provide assistance and essential emergency supplies to the Sri Lankan Government. The Chinese side expressed confidence that the government and people of Sri Lanka will soon overcome their difficulties and rebuild their economy. The Sri Lankan side expressed its deep gratitude for China's support and assistance.

5. Foreign Minister Kadirgamar thanked the Chinese side for its warm and friendly reception accorded to him during his visit and extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing of the People's Republic of China to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time. Foreign Minister Li accepted the invitation with pleasure.