On December 29, 2004, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held talks with visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Both sides exchanged opinions on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern.

Li first of all expressed sympathy and condolence over the heavy casualties and property loss caused by the tsunami disaster in Sri Lanka and proposed that both sides pay a one-minute silent tribute to the deceased in Sri Lanka and other countries during the disaster. Sri Lanka is a friendly neighbor of China and both countries have been friends in adversity in history. Immediately after the disaster occurred, the Chinese leaders sent message of condolence to the Sri Lankan leaders and the Chinese government has delivered emergency assistance to Sri Lanka within the shortest period of time. Li also expressed confidence that the Sri Lankan government and people will surely overcome the temporary difficulties and rebuild the areas hit by the disaster as soon as possible.

Li positively commented the traditional friendly relations between China and Sri Lanka. He extended thanks to the Sri Lankan government for always following the one-China policy and noted that China is willing to cooperate with Sri Lanka to enhance friendly exchanges at multiple levels, expand and deepen cooperation in the areas of economy and trade, tourism, science and education, strengthen coordination and collaboration in international affairs and push bilateral ties to new levels constantly.

Foreign Minister Kadirgamar said that China is the most reliable friend of Sri Lanka and always renders timely help to Sri Lanka when it is in the most difficult conditions and in most urgent need. He noted that Sri Lanka is grateful to the Chinese government for its generous assistance on the occasion of tsunami disaster.

Kadirgamar reiterates that Sri Lanka will, as always, adhere to the one-China policy, oppose "Taiwan independence" in whatever form and support the legislative measures taken by the Chinese government against the separatist force seeking "Taiwan independence". Sri Lanka will continue to support China on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights.

Sri Lanka is willing to work jointly with China to constantly expand bilateral cooperation in all fields, pass on Sri Lanka-China friendship to generations to come and benefit the two peoples, according to Kadirgamar.

Kadirgamar arrived at Beijing on December 27 and kicked off the official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.