Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Friday that the Chinese government will encourage domestic companies to cooperate with Sri Lanka and take part in the war-hit country's reconstruction as well as economic and social development.

Wen made the remarks in a meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ratnasiri Wickremanayake on the sidelines of an international trade and investment fair, which opened Friday morning in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

"It meets the fundamental interests of China and Sri Lanka to develop the partnership of comprehensive cooperation and is conducive to regional peace, stability and development," Wen said.

China supports Sri Lanka's strive for national reconciliation, stability and economic development, he noted.

Wickremanayake appreciated China's assistance, and said his country hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in such fields as economy, trade, infrastructure and education in a bid to realize lasting peace and development.

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