COLOMBO, Mar 2: Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen Tuesday pledged to boost economic cooperation with Shri Lanka and expressed support for the island's efforts to achieve national unity; reports AFP.

Qian, who arrived here Monday on a three-day official visit, met Shri Lankan President Dingiri Banda Wijetunga and Foreign Minister Shahul Hameed Tuesday, officials said.

Qian told Wljetunga that the "friendly relations that existed between China and Shri Lanka for several centuries would be fostered with further exchange of economic cooperation," an official statement Issued here said.

Both countries could expand economic cooperation by developing trade and setting. up joint enterprises, the statement quoted Qian as saying. Wijetunga said that he vaL \ ued and welcomed the expansion of economic cooperation.

“Shri Lanka is a small coun-

try compared to yours. China has made vast strides under . the free market economic policies and Shri Lanka too could benefit by your experiences," Wijetunga was quoted assaying.

In talks with Hameed, the Chinese leader expressed support for the efforts made by Srl Lanka towards national reconciliation while maintaining its territorial Integrity and resisting external interference, official said.

Hameed briefed Qian on the on-going conflict in the northeast between government troops and Tamil guerillas who are leading a campaign to set up a separate state for minority Tamils.

Both ministers also discussed economic cooperation between South Aslan countries. the restructuring of the United Nations, developments In the Middle East and the crisis in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the statement said.