Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang assured Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena that China would assist Sri Lanka's debt restructuring process continuously and help Sri Lanka develop its economy.

During the high-level bilateral talks held on Tuesday (27) in Beijing, the Chinese Prime Minister praised Sri Lanka's economic progress after a period of economic downside.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena's Media Unit said that the Chinese Prime Minister pointed out that Sri Lanka consistently followed 'One China' policy and supported China at international forums.

Premier Li Qiang had said his country would also extend assistance to develop Katunayake International Airport, Hambantota Port and Colombo Port City.

Premier Gunawardena had thanked China for standing for Sri Lanka's independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty and for helping Sri Lanka when faced with international political issues or economic problems.

At the same time, the signing of nine new agreements between China and Sri Lanka took place under the patronage of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

In the bilateral talks held in Great Hall in Beijing, more attention was paid to increasing overall cooperation in the social, cultural, educational, and agricultural sectors in addition to economic cooperation.

The Prime Ministers of the two countries confirmed that a new chapter in the long-term friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and China will begin through the nine memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake signed the agreements on behalf of Sri Lanka, and the secretaries of nine ministries signed on behalf of China.

The Prime Minister paid floral tributes to the martyred war heroes at the Monument to the People's Heroes at Tiananmen Square, and after receiving the guard of honour from the Chinese military, bilateral discussions commenced.