The visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said on Thursday that China has always been a friend to Sri Lanka and he is seeking closer bilateral ties during his five-day official visit.

"China has remained a friend of Sri Lanka at times of difficulty. A friend in need is a friend indeed," said Bogollagama in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

This is Bogollagama's first visit to China as Sri Lankan foreign minister since he took office in January 2007.

Bogollagama, who is visiting China from July 1 to 5 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, is scheduled to meet with Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang and talk with Yang.

"The relationship (between Sri Lanka and China) has stood test of time...We value the relationship," said Bogollagama, stressing that one-China policy is always maintained by the Sri Lankan government.

"China is a major player in the world, and a major player in the regional context too. We will work very closely with China," Bogollagama said.

DOMESTIC CHALLENGES

After declaring victory over the rebel group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May, the Sri Lankan government is still facing challenges such as national reconciliation, resettling displaced civilians, post-war reconstruction and economic development.

But Bogollagama sees the process of addressing the problems as "an opportunity for us to transform."

"What was threatening Sri Lanka's democracy and development was terrorism, we now have defeated and eliminated the threat of terrorism to the country," said Bogollagama.

Bogollagama said the country would focus on infrastructure development and security during its reconstruction phase.

In early May, China gave 1 million U.S. dollars in humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka to help the displaced civilians. China's provision of 20-million-yuan tents had also reached Sri Lanka.

"China always backs Sri Lanka's domestic reconciliation and peace process and will continue to play its positive and constructive role," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang on June 25.

Source: Xinhua