Senior CPC official Wu Guanzheng (R) meets Karu Jayasuriya, Vice Leader of Sri Lanka's United National Party in Beijing on June 16, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

    BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Wu Guanzheng said on Friday that efforts must be made to inject new vitality into the traditional friendship between China and Sri Lanka.

    "China appreciates the Sri Lankan government's firm support on issues such as Taiwan, Tibet and human rights, and it will make efforts with Sri Lanka to extend the substantial bilateral cooperation," Wu said in a meeting with Karu Jayasuriya, Vice Leader of Sri Lanka's United National Party.

    Ties had developed well since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1957, Wu said.

    The exchanges and cooperation between the political parties were an important aspect of state relations, he added.

    "The CPC is willing to cement friendly exchanges and cooperation with Sri Lankan political parties, including the United National Party, to help improve the China-Sri Lanka relations," Wu said.

    Jayasuriya said the peoples of Sri Lanka and China had forged a profound friendship and the selfless assistance offered by China symbolized the friendship.

    He also reiterated Sri Lanka's adherence to the one-China policy, and expressed hope for China's continued social and economic development. Enditem