BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapakse met on Thursday, pledging to enhance the two countries' cooperation.

The ever deepening friendship and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka have brought substantial benefits to the two peoples and promoted regional peace and development, Wen said.

He added that China is ready to help with Sri Lanka's economic development, promote communication between the two countries with regard to infrastructure construction, enlarge two-way trade and investment, and strengthen cultural and personnel exchanges.

Rajapakse, who hailed the deep traditional friendship with China, appreciated China's valuable long-term support.

He said Sri Lanka will enhance cooperation with China in all fields and promote bilateral comprehensive partnership of cooperation.

The president, who will attend the opening ceremony of the 26th Summer Universiade on Friday, also received a warm welcome from Wen.

Wen said the president's attendance would likely further enhance the China-Sri Lanka relationship.

The 26th Summer Universiade will be held in Shenzhen city of South China's Guangdong province. President Hu Jintao is scheduled to meet there with foreign guests who will attend the opening ceremony.