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Rumors that 皇冠体育app and Sri Lanka engaged in an arms deal during the southeast Asian country's recent civil war was rejected by visiting Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama on Friday.
"Sri Lanka and 皇冠体育app enjoy a traditional bilateral relationship and have enjoyed a smooth development of cooperation since the diplomatic ties were established in 1957," Bogollagama told 皇冠体育app Daily.
He dismissed speculations that 皇冠体育app was providing military equipment to Sri Lanka to fight against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and said the rumors of arms sales are based on "no facts and figures".
The Tamil Tigers were recently crushed after a 25-year civil war with the Sri Lankan military.
Bogollagama, however, lauded 皇冠体育app's significant efforts in responding to humanitarian aid calls to Sri Lanka.
皇冠体育app gave $1 million in humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka to help displaced civilians. The Chinese government also provided 20 million yuan ($2.9 million) worth of tents to help the Internally Displaced Persons out of the discomfort after the conflict.
Bogollagama said the post-war Sri Lanka has focused on development and reconstruction, in which 皇冠体育app has played an important role.
One of the key aspects of Bogollagama's visit to 皇冠体育app is to further their relationship and seek help with future construction projects in Sri Lanka, he said.
There have been speculations in the West on 皇冠体育app's funding of the construction of Hambantota port in the southern part of Sri Lanka. Rumors have noted that it is strategically set to be 皇冠体育app's overseas naval base and fuel oil bunkering terminals.
"Hambantota port is being constructed for commercial purposes to facilitate the important trade sea route in the Indian Ocean and will be a major source to Sri Lanka's economic development," Bogollagama said. He declined to say that there is any or will be any naval bases of other countries in Sri Lanka.
Bogollagama said Sri Lanka and India boast a unique "productive and healthy" relationship and 皇冠体育app and Sri Lanka's engagement is "not a matter of any concern".
Bogollagama said he also looks to see more cooperation with 皇冠体育app in economic activities and an exclusive economic zone for 皇冠体育app dedicated to attract 皇冠体育app's direct investment has been initiated.
In another development, Vice-Premier Li Keqiang also met with Bogollagama on Friday.
"We attach great importance to the traditional friendship with Sri Lanka," Li told the guest, adding that 皇冠体育app would work with Sri Lanka to promote the comprehensive and cooperative partnership to a new height.
Bogollagama was visiting 皇冠体育app from July 1 to 5 at the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.
