Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Monday thanked China for standing by Colombo at the last UNHRC sessions, pledging support for Beijing`s candidature to the global rights body.
Rajapaksa met Wu Bangguo, Chairman of China`s National People`s Congress, here today and expressed appreciation for the important role China has played on regional and international affairs.
Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa thanked the Chinese government for standing by his country at the last UN Human Rights Council sessions.
The US-sponsored and India-backed resolution at the UN Human Rights Council sessions held in late March had urged expeditious action by the Sri Lankan government over its own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).
Rajapaksa also pledged Sri Lanka`s support for China`s candidature to the UN Human Rights Council for 2014-2016.
Rajapaksa also said that Sri Lanka will continue to uphold "One China" policy on the Taiwan and Tibet issues, which has been a consistent feature in its foreign relations.
"We will continue to support China on every issue that affects her interests at regional and multi-national fora", Rajapaksa said.
China has now become the largest single development partner for Sri Lanka extending development assistance of over 5 billion dollars.
Rajapaksa, appreciating Chinese assistance said China has provided Sri Lanka with competitive edge to develop as a commercial, knowledge, marine, aviation and energy hub providing more opportunities for Chinese investors.
Rajapaksa expressed further appreciation for the important role China has played on regional and international affairs, saying Sri Lanka will enhance communication and coordination with China within the multilateral mechanisms, including the United Nations, the ASEAN regional forum and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Wu and Rajapaksa also witnessed the signing of 16 cooperative agreements between the governments and enterprises of the two countries, China`s state-run Xinhua news agency reported without giving details.
The main elements of the UN resolution in March was that Sri Lanka should formulate an action plan, and that the office of the UN Human Rights Commissioner in consultation with the government of Sri Lanka offer advice and technical assistance on implementation of the resolution.
PTI
