Hailing the stable growth of bilateral ties, Li said China-Sri Lanka relations had entered a new stage of development after the two heads of state announced an upgrade of relations to strategic cooperation partnership last year, Xinhua reported following the talks.

He said he hoped the two sides would facilitate pragmatic cooperation in accordance with the countries' national development strategies and offer stronger support and reliable friendship to each other.

Peiris, in response, said his government attaches great importance to its ties with China.

Sri Lanka hopes to boost high-level visits and all-round cooperation with China and push forward the bilateral partnership, he added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Peiris and expressed support for Sri Lanka's efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Wang told Peiris that China opposes other countries' interference in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka under the pretext of human rights issues. (Courtesy – Xinhua)