Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng met a delegation led by Mahinda Rajapaksa, president of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka at Jin Jiang Grand Hall yesterday.

On behalf of the municipal government and local citizens, Mayor Han extended his warm welcome to the delegation.

China and Sri Lanka have maintained a long-standing friendship, and President Mahinda Rajapaksa is an old friend of the Shanghai people, Han said.“The trade between Shanghai and Sri Lanka has grown rapidly over recent years, increasing 30 percent from last year. I believe your visit will further promote the cooperation and exchanges between us.”He added.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa thanked Shanghai’s citizens for their hospitality.

“China, especially Shanghai, is developing at such a fast pace and has gained amazing achievements lately, which offers experience to us.”He said he looked forward to new growth for the two parts in the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.