On July 13, 2006, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held talks with visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera in the office building of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Li indicated that since China established diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka 49 years ago, bilateral relations have been developing rapidly based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Sri Lanka in 2005 and the establishment of an all-round cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and friendship for generations show that bilateral ties have entered a new stage of development. China appreciates the constant precious support from Sri Lanka on such questions as Taiwan, Tibet and human rights. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, as well as "China-Sri Lanka Friendship Year" agreed upon by the two governments. Li hoped the two sides will make joint efforts to carry forward the traditional friendship and expand mutually beneficial cooperation through celebration activities in a bid to push bilateral all-round cooperative partnership to a new high.

Samaraweera indicated that the traditional friendship goes back to ancient times. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have been kept closer. He appreciated China's assistance to Sri Lanka's economic and social development. He hoped both sides will take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and "China-Sri Lanka Friendship Year" as an opportunity to consolidate the friendship and cooperation. The Sri Lankan government will as always adhere to the one-China policy.

Samaraweera arrived in Bejing on July 12, kicking off his official visit to China as Li's guest.