Reply Delivered by Chairman Mao Zedong upon Acceptance of the Letters of Credence from Mr. Gopallawa, the Newly Appointed Ambassador of Ceylon [1] to the People’s Republic of China
(July 7, 1958)

Chairman Mao Zedong replied: “As one of the initiating countries of the Asian–African Conference, Ceylon is playing an increasingly important role in international affairs. In recent years, the government and people of Ceylon have made great efforts and valuable contributions to the cause of world peace, the safeguarding of national independence, the struggle against colonialism, and the promotion of international cooperation, particularly friendly cooperation among Asian and African nations. For this, they have earned the respect and warm welcome of the peoples of Asia and Africa, as well as of the Chinese people. The Chinese government and people are willing to continue working together with the government and people of Ceylon, and with all peace-loving nations and peoples throughout the world, for the sake of world peace and the happiness of humanity.

“As Your Excellency has pointed out, the Chinese and Ceylonese peoples have enjoyed friendly exchanges and forged close bonds of friendship since ancient times. Last February, the prime ministers of China and Ceylon issued a joint statement jointly reaffirming the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, thereby establishing a new and solid foundation for our historic ties of friendship. I am firmly convinced that on this basis, the traditional friendship between the Chinese and Ceylonese peoples will continue to develop more extensively.

“I warmly welcome Your Excellency to your post as Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ceylon to the People’s Republic of China, and I pledge to provide you with full support and assistance in your efforts to strengthen the friendly relations between China and Ceylon. May your country prosper, and its people thrive.”
Chuan
Ceylon refers to present-day Sri Lanka.