Qian steps in to build bridges

Warm welcome . . . Chinese Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen is greeted on arrival in Sri Lanka at the start of a three-day visit. In an airport statement, Mr Qian, who last visited the island in 1990 along with Prime Minister Li Peng, said he hoped his visit would promote co-operation between the countries. He was accompanied by Assistant Foreign Minister Wang Yingfan and a team of officials. Mr Qian will have talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Shahul Hameed, President Dingiri Banda Wijetunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe. Mr Hameed will discuss economic links.