Premier Li asks Sri Lanka for continuous, stable policy for Chinese investors

Premier Li Keqiang asked Sri Lanka Thursday to maintain its continuous and stable policy, and provide good environment for Chinese investors.

He made the comments during a meeting with visiting Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena at the Great Hall of the People.

Li said China would continue to encourage companies to invest in Sri Lanka and participate in infrastructure and industrial construction.

China has always attached high importance to the traditional friendship with Sri Lanka and hopes to maintain and develop it. Cooperation in all areas should be expanded to promote the strategic partnership of cooperation, he noted.

The premier said China was dedicated to forging a reciprocal common future with its neighbors. The cooperation between China and Sri Lanka will benefit not only the two peoples, but also development and prosperity of East and South Asia, two regions with the highest population in the world.

Sirisena thanked China for its long-term assistance. He said all Sri Lankan governments upheld friendship with China.

The new government will further consolidate and promote cooperation with China and hopes for increased investment into Sri Lanka, the president said.

He added that the country would strengthen exchanges and coordination with China on international affairs.

Sirisena was invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit. He will also attend the annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia held in Boao, a coastal town in south China's Hainan province.

Xi and top legislator Zhang Dejiang also met Sirisena Thursday. Endi