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| Sunday, 4 September 2005 |
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Sri Lanka - China to fight three evils Sri Lanka and China resolved to fight against the three evils of terrorism, separatism and extremism, said a joint communiqu‚ issued by the two countries at the conclusion of the official visit of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to China from August 30 to September 2. "Sri Lanka remains committed to the One China policy, opposes any form of Taiwan independence, supports all efforts by the Chinese Government to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports China's measures against the secessionist attempts by pro-Taiwan independence forces and hopes to see an early reunification of China", said the communiqu‚. Excerpts of the communique: The President of China expressed deep condolences on the brutal assassination of the Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. The two sides expressed their strong condemnation of the act of terrorism. "The two sides observed that the commencement of direct air links between their capitals had contributed to the increase of travel including tourist traffic between the two countries. "They welcomed understandings between the tourist administration institutions of the two countries to encourage and support beneficial contacts and exchanges between their respective airlines, travel agencies, hotels and others in the tourist industries, and to promote collaboration through investment in the tourist sector. "The two countries discussed the situation in the Asian Region. They stressed the need for conditions of peace and stability and closer cooperation among Asian states to enable the development of the region. The Sri Lanka side welcomed the efforts made by China for the Six Party Talks aimed at denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The two sides welcomed strengthening of ties between China and South Asian States following exchange of high level political and other visits and discussed the possibilities of institutional links between SAARC and China. In discussions on the forthcoming 60th Session of the United Nations, in which both Presidents are scheduled to participate, it was agreed that reform of the Organization should be effected on the basis of the widest possible consensus of the entire International community including the developing countries. Sri Lanka and China agreed to continue consultations on all issues of mutual concern in international fora including on practical action towards realization of the Millennium Development Goals, human rights and anti-terrorism. The two sides reiterated their view that the next Secretary General of the United Nations should be a representative of the Asian Region. In accordance with the Protocol on Bilateral Consultations between the two Foreign Ministries, consultations would take place through diplomatic channels on the date for its next meeting. |
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