China and Sri Lanka will further advance strategic cooperative partnership, following talks between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin at the Prime Minister's House on Thursday, the President's Office said in a statement on Friday.

Rajapaksa thanked China for its long-term support to Sri Lankan society and economy. He also emphasized that Sri Lanka will give priority to developing the relations with China, including participating in the construction of the 21st century maritime " Silk Road."

Liu thanked the president for his effort in promoting Sri Lanka- China bilateral ties. "You have established a close friendship with the Chinese leadership," Liu said.

Liu told Rajapaksa that China will continue to support Sri Lanka in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

"For China, Sri Lanka is an important partner in the Indian Ocean region, and our cooperation should expand to a higher level" he said while thanking Sri Lanka for assisting in the development of the 21st century maritime "Silk Road." He added the two countries "should deepen connectivity in the sea and in the air."