In his letter, the head of State noted that the two countries are traditional neighbors with a long history of friendship.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, 67 years ago, the two sides have maintained mutual understanding and support, an example of friendly and beneficial cooperation between nations of different sizes, Xi said.

The Chinese leader expressed his desire to further strengthen the traditional friendship between the two countries, enhance mutual political trust and promote collaboration under the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi expressed his commitment to work together with Dissanayake to consolidate the strategic partnership of cooperation, based on aid and lasting friendship, to generate greater benefits for the people of China and Sri Lanka.

jrr/arm/jf/idm