The high-level Chinese delegation led by former Chinese Foreign Minister and the current Communist Party Political Bureau Member Yang Jiechi, called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa this evening (09). The People’s Republic of China will continue to assist Sri Lanka in its efforts on development, Mr Jiechi assured during a cordial discussion with the Sri Lankan President. Sri Lanka-China bilateral relations are at a satisfactory level, the Communist Party politburo member said adding that Chinese President Xi Jinping expects to maintain and develop the friendship between the two nations. Mr Jiechi stressed that China will firmly stand for Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity at international platforms including the United Nations Human Rights Council. The top-level Chinese delegation also called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa earlier today (09). Being the first ever Chinese nationals visit in the South Asian region since the global coronavirus epidemic, the visit is expected to strengthen cooperation between Sri Lanka and China, in the areas of combating the global pandemic and revival of economic relations.