Sri Lankan president to visit China in March

Sri Lankan new President Maithripala Sirisena will visit China in March to hold meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other high level Chinese officials, the Foreign Ministry said in Colombo on Tuesday.

The visit will be Sirisena's second official overseas tour since assuming office after last month's presidential elections in the island.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Sathya Rodrigo told Xinhua that Sirisena will be traveling to China next month on an invitation extended by the Chinese government.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera will also be traveling to Beijing in the last week of February to hold talks with key Chinese officials, Rodrigo said, and make preparations for Sirisena's visit.

The president's visit will take place as the new Sri Lankan government aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation with China in various sectors and looks at signing key agreements with Beijing.

According to media reports, Sirisena is expected to leave for China on March 26 to attend the annual Boao Forum for Asia event while Samaraweera will leave for Beijing on February 27.