May 27, 2013 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa has begun a state visit to China meeting top leaders on wide ranging issues including economic, international affairs and defence, his office in Colombo said. President Rajapaksa will also attend inaugural ceremonies of the Global Service Forum Beijing Summit and the 2013 International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), the statement said.
President Rajapaksa will meet Chinese president Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Prime Minister Li Keqiang, Vice President Li Yuanchao, Minister of Defense Chang Wanquan and Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng.
"The talks will center on further enhancing cooperation between the two countries in areas of trade, investment, tourism, culture, science and technology, defense, and regional and international affairs," a statement from the President's media office said.
"Since the establishment of full diplomatic ties in 1957, Sri Lanka has continuously maintained close and friendly relations with China.
"The two countries have regularly exchanged high-level visits resulting in a variety of agreements. China has emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s key development partners in the post-conflict period."
