Sri Lanka, Nov. 20 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping while congratulating President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his assumption of duties yesterday, stressed the importance of further developing bilateral relations to start a new chapter of the China-Sri Lanka Strategic Cooperative Partnership and to bring more tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

He said in his congratulatory message, "It is a great pleasure to learn that you are assuming office of the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. On behalf of the Chinese Government, people and in my own name, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you."

"China and Sri Lanka have been maintaining traditional and friendly relations, w...