I. 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 China from December 27 to 29, 2004. Kadirgamar met with Vice Chinese President Zeng Qinghong and State Councilor Chen Zhili respectively. Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held in-depth talks with Kadirgamar.

II. During the meeting and talks, both sides mainly exchanged opinions on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern.

Both sides agreed that over the past 47 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Sri Lanka have been developing steadily on the basis of the five principles of peaceful coexistence. Both countries agreed to continue maintaining the momentum of exchanges of high-level visit and strengthen contacts of the parliaments, political parties, civil societies, business communities and youth of the two countries at all levels. China welcomes the visit of President Kumaratunga of Sri Lanka to China next year.

Both sides emphasized that to enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation in fields of investment, joint ventures and trade is of great importance to comprehensively promoting bilateral relations. Both countries expressed willingness to discuss new ways of deepening cooperation in such areas as agriculture, energy development, tourism, science & technology, education, academia and culture, including the establishment of Sri Lankan Consulate in Shanghai.

Both sides agreed to expand bilateral coordination and collaboration in international and regional issues and expressed the same position in maintaining peace and stability and seeking cooperation and prosperity in South Asia. They extended welcome to the cooperation agreement signed between the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kunming.

III. Sri Lanka reiterated that there is only one China in the world, the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inseparable part of the Chinese territory. Sri Lank firmly follows the one-China policy and opposes "Taiwan independence" in whatever form. It supports all the efforts of the Chinese government in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and the legislative measures taken by China to fight against the separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence". It hopes that China will realize national reunification at the earliest date possible.

China reaffirmed to continue supporting the efforts of Sri Lanka in safeguarding national sovereignty and solidarity and the territorial integrality and developing the national economy.

Both sides reiterated that they will fight against the three evil forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism.

IV. The Chinese government and people expressed deep condolence and sympathy on the heavy loss of life and property caused by the recent tsunami disaster in Sri Lanka. The Chinese government decided to provide emergency assistance for the Sri Lank an government as a token of the friendship of the Chinese people with the Sri Lankan people. It is believed that the Sri Lankan government and people will definitely overcome the difficulties and rebuild their home. Sri Lanka expressed deep gratitude to China for its support and assistance.

V. Foreign Minister Kadirgamar extended thanks to the Chinese side for the cordial and friendly reception during his visit to China and invited Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing to visit Sri Lanka. Li accepted the invitation with pleasure.