Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa,who is in China on Tuesday said that Sri Lanka hopes to draw on China's experience and constantly expand exchanges with China.

“Sri Lanka regards China as a close friend and hopes to draw on China's experience and constantly expand exchanges with China, so as to constantly push forward friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries and the two militaries, especially those between the two air forces,” Mr. Rajapaksa said.

The China Military Online reported that Ma Xiaotian, member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and commander of the Air Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLAAF), met with Gotabhaya Rajapaksa on Monday at the Headquarters of the PLAAF in Beijing.

Ma Xiaotian said that China and Sri Lanka have long been firmly supporting each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, and maintaining close coordination and cooperation in international affairs. The strategic cooperative partnership jointly established by leaders of the two countries has effectively promoted better and faster development of the bilateral relations. The two militaries have close contacts and cooperation with each other, and there's still great room for the two air forces to extend their exchanges and cooperation. It is believed that exchanges and cooperation in all fields and at all levels between the two air forces will be constantly deepened and strengthened with joint efforts of both sides.

Gotabhaya expressed that the Sri Lankan side is very grateful to the Chinese government and the Chinese military for their support and assistance for the Sri Lankan government and the Sri Lankan military.