Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that the Chinese government and people stand firmly with the Sri Lankan people and resolutely support Sri Lanka in safeguarding its national security and stability.

President Xi made the remarks while meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday in Beijing.

Both sides need to maintain the high-level dialogue regularly, promote cooperation in jointly building the Belt and Road, facilitate law-enforcement and security cooperation, and enhance cooperation against non-traditional security threats, Xi said.

The Chinese president said he believes Sri Lanka will show its rich culture through the platform of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations which is scheduled to open on May 15 in Beijing.

Sirisena expressed appreciation of China's forthright position on Sri Lanka's counter-terrorism strategy and efforts. 

He said the conference will promote mutual understanding and respect and shared prosperity among countries with an emphasis on civilizations.

Sri Lanka appreciates China's valuable support and assistance over the years, Sirisena said, adding his willingness to build the Belt and Road with China and deepen China-Sri Lanka mutually beneficial cooperation.

(Cover: Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, May 14, 2019. /Xinhua Photo)